Allergy Testing Information

What is a CAMP?

The ACDS Contact Allergen Management Program (CAMP) is a website and mobile app designed to help you find products that do not contain your allergens and are safe for you to use. This free tool was created by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping patients with allergic contact dermatitis and related conditions.

How do I get access to CAMP?

In order to access CAMP, your health care provider must be a member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS). Your health care provider will provide you with allergen search codes, which are required to access CAMP.

Once you have your allergen search codes, you may access CAMP through the website www.acdscamp.org , selecting patient support, and then CAMP access.  Also, it can be accessed by downloading the ACDS CAMP mobile app (available for Android and iOS). Search for “ACDS CAMP” in the app store.  New users must register through the website or mobile app using the allergen search codes provided by your ACDS provider after patch testing.

How do I use the allergen search codes provided by my physician?

Allergen search codes are a 2-part code that you will use to register for CAMP. These are unique codes for you which are generated by your provider. Only providers who are ACDS members have the ability to generate these codes.

The codes should look like this:
Code 1: aaAAa
Code 2: BbBBB

You may also use the QR code provided by your provider to register through the CAMP mobile app. The QR code can be used once you have downloaded and opened the CAMP app.

How do I register as a patient?

To register on the CAMP website, select the “Patient Registration” icon on the home page website (www.acdscamp.org).

To register using the mobile application, select the “Patient Registration” icon on the home page of the application. Enter the codes given to you by your provider under “Code 1” and “Code 2”.

You may also register using the QR code given to you by your provider, which will automatically enter your codes for registration. Note: The QR code can only be used once you are inside the CAMP app.

How do I access my Safe List to find safe products?

Notice: Please note that in accessing the ACDS CAMP database you will be leaving the Web site of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. These  links will take you to sites over which ACDS has no control. This link does not imply, directly or indirectly, the endorsement, sponsorship, or approval by ACDS of any products, services or organizations referenced on the site. ACDS assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of content contained on the sites or for their compliance with applicable laws. The content of the sites do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of the ACDS.

After logging into your account, select the “View Your Safe List” icon. This will bring you to your Safe List, which is a list of products that should not contain your allergens. Products on the Safe List are sorted by alphabetical order by default, but you may also sort by “Brand” or “Last Update Date”.

You will be scheduled for 2-3 visits. Patches will be applied on day 1, removed by our office or at home on day 3, and a final reading will be done by our office on day 5. Your test may be completely negative; this means that it is less likely that an allergy is causing your skin problem. Further testing may be necessary in the future.

Patch testing is an elective procedure, and you may incur out of pocket expenses.  Especially if you have a high deductible plan.  You can call your insurance company and ask what your out-of-pocket responsibility is, and if this type of testing is covered by your plan.  If the answer is no, you can still pay out of pocket for your medical care.  Your insurance cannot keep you from receiving important care, and you will be responsible for the cost of this test in the event your insurance does not cover these services.  The following codes are what will be billed at the time of patch test placement, with the following code for interpretation: 95044 x 80 and 99213 (icd-10 L23.89).  A self-paid patch test costs $500 for 2 visits.  This is solely for patch testing and interpretation.  This does not include any other non-patch test related medical questions.  If you cancel your appointment within 7 days, you will be charged $250.  We will allow a one time reschedule within a 7 day window without penalty.

• DO NOT GET YOUR BACK wet during the 2 day testing period. You can shower after the patches are removed, but avoid scrubbing the area with soap or other products.
• We recommend wearing loose clothing and a tee shirt to bed to prevent the patches from peeling or loosening. If you notice a patch peeling, have someone apply pressure to the adhesive or additional tape to the edge of the chamber.
• You should not swim, shower or participate in any activities that will cause significant sweating during the 2 day testing period.
• Leave the patches in place for 48 hours. You can remove the patches after 48 hours, and take a photo of the area. Reapply skin markings if they are beginning to fade.
• There may be some itching. Try to avoid scratching as itching can indicate a positive result and scratching may alter the result.
• If you experience severe itching or pain underneath a patch, call our office at 480-605-2307
• If you are unable to contact our office, you may have someone CAREFULLY remove or cut away the individual patch that is causing the reaction.
• It is rare for patch test reactions to be prolonged or to leave discoloration at the test site.
• At the end of the 5 to 7-day testing period, if allergens or irritants are identified, we will generate a list of products that are safe for you to use. We will send it to your home address and/or email address.

Please inform our medical staff

1. You are pregnant/nursing or trying
2. Recently taken prednisone/steroids or other immunosuppressants by mouth or injection within 2 weeks. Oral antihistamines are ok.
3. Applied steroid creams, protopic or elidel to your back within the last two weeks