Chemotechnique es una empresa familiar desde sus inicios hace 40 años, que crece y se desarrolla cada año, y ahora es el fabricante líder de sistemas de prueba de parches de elección abierta (cargados por el operador) en el mundo.

Chemotechnique es reconocido por dermatólogos líderes a nivel mundial como el nombre confiable en pruebas de parche.

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Chemotechnique está 100 % dedicada y centrada únicamente en productos de prueba de parches y productos accesorios estrechamente asociados; sin otras líneas de productos ni otras distracciones.

Con sede en la región de Skåne, en el sur de Suecia, Chemotechnique está liderando el camino a nivel mundial para las pruebas de parche: presta servicios a dermatólogos y alergólogos en todo el mundo suministrando sus productos de prueba de parche a través de una red de distribución global de distribuidores exclusivos designados en más de 100 países, incluso a través de AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd como el distribuidor exclusivo para la región del Caribe.

Chemotechnique ofrece una gama completa de productos de prueba de parche de alta calidad que incluyen más de 550 haptenos diferentes (también conocidos como alérgenos), tiras de cámara de prueba de parche (también conocidas como Unidades), así como productos accesorios y pruebas puntuales para indicar la presencia de ciertos metales en objetos comunes.

Chemotechnique garantiza que su línea de productos tenga la composición ideal debido a su énfasis en I+D y a trabajar en estrecha cooperación con grupos de investigación de dermatitis de contacto como el Grupo Internacional de Investigación de Dermatitis de Contacto (ICDRG), el Grupo Europeo de Investigación Ambiental y de Dermatitis de Contacto. ( EECDRG ) y el Grupo Norteamericano de Dermatitis de Contacto (NACDG).

Los haptenos son producidos por Chemotechnique en Suecia bajo un estricto control de calidad farmacéutica, siguiendo el sistema de gestión de calidad GMP auditado por la Agencia Sueca de Productos Médicos. Los procesos productivos están certificados por los sistemas de Gestión de Calidad ISO 13485 e ISO 9001.

Sus productos de alta calidad y su servicio confiable ayudan a los dermatólogos y alergólogos y a sus pacientes en el diagnóstico de alergias de contacto y la identificación de los alérgenos de contacto problemáticos.

El objetivo de Chemotechnique no es sólo proporcionar a los dermatólogos y alergólogos los haptenos y cámaras de prueba necesarios para las pruebas epicutáneas, sino también contribuir activamente al desarrollo de nuevas pruebas de haptenos y a la selección óptima de haptenos que se adapten a las circunstancias de los pacientes, con especial énfasis en el campo de la dermatología ocupacional.

Gran parte de su trabajo también se centra en la estandarización de haptenos de prueba de parche, en colaboración con los distintos grupos de investigación clínica nacionales e internacionales, con la máxima pureza, formulación exacta óptima y concentración precisa.

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Availability

AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd is appointed by Chemotechnique of Sweden to be their exclusive distributor for the Caribbean region. This means that ADCL is the sole supplier to consumers in the countries of the Caribbean region.

The Caribbean region countries that are supported by AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd are therefore as follows:

1. Anguilla

2. Antigua & Barbuda

3. Aruba

4. Bahamas

5. Barbados

6. British Virgin Islands

7. Cayman Islands

8. Cuba

9. Dominica

10. Dominican Republic

11. Grenada

12. Guadeloupe

13. Haiti.

14.Jamaica

15. Martinique

16. Montserrat

17. Netherlands Antilles

18. Puerto Rico

19. Saint Barthelemy

20. St Kitts & Nevis

21. St Lucia

22. St Martin

23. St Vincent

24. Trinidad & Tobago

25. Turks & Caicos

26. US Virgin Islands

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These countries comprise over 45 million persons, but unfortunately the population of Dermatology Specialist doctors and Allergy Specialist doctors is barely over 100, and other support services are also largely and sadly inadequate.

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Within this Caribbean region, no other distributor company can supply the Chemotechnique products, if delivery is to be made to a Caribbean country.

Conversely, AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd cannot legally supply Chemotechnique products to a Dermatologist / Allergist based in USA or Mexico, and other countries outside the Caribbean region, except with the explicit individual permission from Chemotechnique..

Chemotechnique will have appointed other companies as exclusive distributors for most of those other countries.

Similarly, the Chemotechnique distributor in USA cannot supply Chemotechnique products to a Dermatologist or Allergist based in Caribbean, even if that Dermatologist/Allergist is visiting the USA or has a relative or friend or a postal box in USA..... unless that person is a Medical Specialist and is formally registered with the American medical regulatory authorities as practicing in USA.

It may be common practice to obtain products in USA or UK that are unavailable or hard to find or expensive, etc. in a Caribbean country, either by delivery to a post box or even whilst visiting the USA or UK on business or holiday. However, for regulated medical products such as patch test products this is simply not legally permissible. This pathway is therefore not a legal option in order to avoid possibly high Customs charges or other hassles on importing products through normal channels into your own country.

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Please also consider the fact that any parallel importation of Chemotechnique patch test haptens, (either commercially or in your personal luggage when travelling), will probably cause the haptens to exceed the temperature-buffering capabilities of any packaging, and will therefore temperature-stress the haptens.

This may lead to their reduced functionality or reduced longevity.

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Local Stock

Chemotechnique products are not held in local stock by AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd, for several good reasons:

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1. Remaining Shelf Life

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2. Re-exportation to another Caribbean country

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3. Every purchaser wants something different, whether it be the British Standard Series or the European Baseline Series or the ACDS Core Series, or Cosmetic Series, or Photo-Patch Series, etc.

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4. Chemotechnique are geared up to supply product as quickly as possible, usually within  2-3-4 weeks of the first enquiry to the distributor.

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Therefore, by not holding local stock, AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd can provide you with the latest production batches of the many products, with the longest possible remaining shelf life, and provide you with exactly what you want.

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Catch-Up Haptens

On occasion one or two haptens in a series (considering that some popular series comprise as many as 80 to 90 haptens) may not be immediately available. If this occurs it is most usually due to a lack of raw material from the supplier of that raw material to Chemotechnique. It can be a complex and time-consuming process to obtain a raw material from an alternative supplier, as there are chemical analyses that would need to be performed to assure the quality and purity of the substance from the new supplier. If a hapten is not immediately available to fulfil a purchaser’s order, then Chemotechnique will inform AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd of the out-of-stock situation and advise when it would next become available, and ask if the purchaser wishes to wait or to receive the rest of the order. ADCL will then contact the purchaser to ascertain if they wish to wait or to receive the rest of their order. Any outstanding hapten(s) would then be supplied by Chemotechnique to the purchaser just as soon as it/they become available. There is no extra delivery cost to the purchaser for this catch-up. Be aware though that there may be (though there logically shouldn’t be!) complications with the Import Permit and Customs costs for the catch-up hapten(s).

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Prices

The Chemotechnique Recommended Retail Prices are very competitive, globally.

The Chemotechnique quality is, however, simply outstanding.

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Retail prices are determined and set annually on the 1st of February by Chemotechnique Sweden in SEK, in order to have a more-or-less uniform price for the products around the world. Therefore the prices should be the same to a Dermatologist or Allergist in USA as it is for Australia or Jamaica or Trinidad & Tobago, etc. However, due to different transportation costs and possible local Customs charges, then there are some differences from country to country, though within the Caribbean region, ADCL adheres in principle and in practice to the Chemotechnique Recommended Retail Prices.

When the Chemotechnique Recommended Retail Price List is stated by Chemotechnique in Swedish Kronor (SEK) effective 1st February each year, ADCL then convert that to USD at the forex rate of 1st February. This was on 1st February 2024 a forex rate of 10.43 SEK to the USD. This then becomes the ADCL Retail price List quoted in USD for the year.

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When a prospective clients wishes to purchase any Chemotechnique products from AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd, then a formal price quote will be sought by ADCL from Chemotechnique, including the carriage cost, all in SEK. This is then converted to USD by ADCL at the time of the formal quotation.

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An abbreviated USD Price List covering the most commonly used and purchased Series is available for download here. This is based on forex rate of 1st February 2024, so the formal quotation provided on enquiry may differ slightly, in either direction, if the SEK:USD forex rate has changed since 1st February 2024.

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Once you have decided which Series you wish to purchase, and how many boxes of Chambers, then just ask us (ADCL) for a formal Quotation.

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For information on prices for any Series or for individual haptens, or chambers or any of the accessory products, please contact AllerDerm Caribbean directly - best by email from your professional email address.

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The usual procedure by Chemotechnique for setting the new annual prices valid from 1st February each year has been to calculate with the Swedish rate of inflation, which is usually 2-3%. However, for the past year, Sweden, in common with many other countries, has experienced a high though declining rate of inflation, at 4.4% in January 2024. Unfortunately though, they have also experienced large price increases from their suppliers of the raw materials such as the fine chemicals which are obtained on the international market. Accordingly, Chemotechnique has increased their prices by an average of 8.0% from 2023 to 2024 for haptens and 4.0% for Chambers.​​​​.

However, there was a de facto 6% price decrease in USD terms from 2021 to 2022 and 1.5% decrease from 2022 to 2023).​

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Note that the order & delivery process then takes approx. 1 week from despatch from Chemotechnique Sweden until the package has arrived in the destination country, but that is a normal working week, so any major holiday break in normal business operations will delay the delivery process accordingly. 

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Note that AllerDerm-Caribbean Ltd does not close over holiday periods. We remain instantly available for phone calls (+44 7960 315127) and WhatsApp messages during normal business hours CET (Central European Time) though our response time to emails may be a day or so longer during holiday periods than the usual immediate response.

Contact us if you have any questions.

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Payment

Payment can be made to AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd in USD or if the Client prefers alternatively in EUR or GBP, at quoted rates and prices. We recommend the sending of the funds in GBP, to the receiving bank that is located in GB. In this way you can control the exchange rate used rather than leaving that to the receiving bank to determine. 

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Note that any bank charges are for the purchaser to pay, so please ensure that the sum received is the same as the sum sent. Sending payment in GBP should avoid such extra bank charges.

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Payment is most usually by inter-bank transfer, to a business bank account at a High Street, GB mainstream bank.

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It is also possible for ADCL to take up to £1,500 payment via the purchaser's credit card. We use the SUMUP payment pathway (www.sumup.co.uk). In this way, your capital cost for a patch test hapten series and chambers can be spread over a few up to many months on your credit card, whilst the patch test materials are earning an income for you.

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Contact us for more information.

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The Order Process

We promise you prompt, efficient, transparent, honest and personal communication, whether by:

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Email           allerderm.caribbean@gmail.com

Telephone   +44 7960 315127
WhatsApp   +44 7960 315127.

The entire process from initial enquiry to receipt of the product should take a maximum of one month.

The usual sequence of events is as follows:

1. The Dermatologist or Allergist will contact AllerDerm Caribbean by email to allerderm.caribbean@gmail.com to ask about the availability of patch test haptens and/or patch test chamber strips, for their hospital clinic or private practice in the Caribbean region.

Alternatively, a referral will come from the Chemotechnique website at www.chemotechnique.se or from a Google Search on “patch test manufacturers” or “patch test suppliers Caribbean”.

2. AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd (ADCL) will then respond by email to the potential Client with:

• A personalised email reply

• A current Chemotechnique 2024 Product Catalogue & Reference Guide of 104 pages. This is also available here. This is also available on special request as a printed booklet to be posted from Europe. 

• An ADCL 2024 Retail Price List, denominated in USD.
  This is also available to download here.

• A supplementary document “Notes & Recommendations”   that comprises several pages of very useful information on patch testing, products, clinical applications, technical information, delivery process, responsibilities, etc. This document is also available to download here.

3. The Client Dermatologist/Allergist will doubtless have questions about Hapten Series, Chamber Strips, product availability, delivery lead time, payment process, etc, which will be answered promptly and efficiently and reliably by ADCL.

4. The Client will ask for a quotation on the exact cost, including delivery.

5. ADCL will contact Chemotechnique Sweden to request a quotation of the delivery cost from Sweden by courier (such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.). Client is to provide an exact delivery address.

6. ADCL will convert the prices quoted in SEK by Chemotechnique to USD to be stated in a formal AADCL letterheaded quotation. ADCL will return to the Client with the full quotation (in USD), including delivery costs.

7. The Client is to formally accept the quotation.

8. ADCL will then provide the Client with a letterheaded Pro Forma Invoice, to enable the Client to make the payment to a mainstream British High Street bank account for ADCL.

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This payment will ideally be in GBP but can be in USD or EUR.

Payment should be by standard inter-bank transfer; however payment by credit card (max value £1,500) is also possible using the SUMUP payment pathway. See www.sumup.co.uk 

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9. Client makes the payment. This usually takes 2-3 working days to arrive.

10. ADCL acknowledges receipt of the payment.

11. ADCL pays Chemotechnique Sweden.

12. Chemotechnique Sweden then schedule the picking & packing of the items of the order. They inform ADCL of the scheduled date of despatch. This is usually within 1 week but a maximum of 2-3 weeks after receipt of the payment. ADCL informs the purchaser.

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13. Chemotechnique provide ADCL with a tracking number, which is then forwarded to the purchaser.

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ADCL will monitor the tracking of the delivery, and will inform the purchaser of developments. The purchaser is advised to also monitor the online tracking service to be automatically notified of any developments.

14. Within usually 3-5 days, the consignment is received in the country of the Client.

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At this point the Client (Purchaser) takes over responsibility for the transition of the package through Customs and into their own hands.

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It is strongly recommended that the purchaser (or their appointed Customs Agent) is actively involved in contacting the local branch of the Courier company used (UPS or FedEx or DHL, etc) who in turn will coordinate wit the local Customs authority to secure the earliest possible release of the package. The products are packaged in temperature-stabilised materials, but after a week or so their temperature-buffering capabilities will have been exhausted. The products will then become at ambient temperature. If this is above 25 degrees C then there will be temperature stress of at least some of the haptens. Please therefore act to make any retention by Customs as brief a period as possible.

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Patch Test Haptens such as are manufactured by Chemotechnique are classified as Diagnostic Tests by medical regulatory authorities. In some countries (such as USA, and in the EU), these are highly regulated, and more so with every year that passes and new tougher regulations are imposed, though not (yet?) as highly regulated as for biological vaccines and chemical-based pharmaceutical products. 

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The Patch Test Chamber Strips  (also known as Units) are classified as Medical Devices, of a low order.

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Chemotechnique as a manufacturer is qualified with all the necessary regulatory systems that are mandatory in Sweden and in the EU.

Chemotechnique products, the Haptens and Chambers, are of course registered (approved) by the local national medical regulatory authorities where this is necessary, such as EU, or UK, or USA, etc.

Commercial Regulations

Once a product is registered in a country, then importation of the product can take place unhindered, for any number of events, and recipients, over a long period of time.

In the individual countries of the Caribbean Region such product registration is not necessary. However an Import Permit may be required; or (more likely) it may not be required.

Some Caribbean countries are more proscriptive than others,

and some are stricter in applying their regulations than others.

Where we have previous experience or knowledge or information, we will advise the purchaser accordingly.

An Import Permit is a de facto approval by the local national medicines regulatory authority for each individual importation.

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The application to the Customs Authority of the individual country can be made by a Customs (Importing) Agent, using information provided by AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd and/or by Chemotechnique.

The Dermatologist/Allergist will need to find and appoint a competent and experienced Customs Agent for their importation of the Chemotechnique products. There may be Customs Agents who specialise in medical products. 

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It may, repeat may, be possible for a Dermatologist to discuss with the local office of the UPS courier company (used by Chemotechnique) to ascertain if they can arrange for the Import Permit, or just the importation without an Import Permit being necessary.

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Note that if the Dermatologist or clinic has their own contracted courier company such as FedEx then it would be better that Chemotechnique use that courier company for the delivery; so let us know if you have such a contracted courier company.

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Customs Tariff Codes

The relevant Customs Tariff Codes for the Chemotechnique products are:
Haptens:                    30063000

IQ Chambers:            30051000    

Plastic Accessories:   39239090     

Nickel Spot Test:        38220000

Cobalt Spot Test:       38220000  

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Information on the Unified Customs Tariff Codes can be found at 
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/calculation-customs-duties/what-is-common-customs-tariff/taric_en 

This information is useful for any Customs Broker in any country so that they can determine any possible duties & taxes & fees to be levied.

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The assessment by the local national Customs authority should always be positive (i.e. importation will be approved) and will then result in the permission to import that product once it arrives. It is usually just a question of time.

It is very important that the Import Permit application and approval is achieved prior to the arrival of the delivery, not when the package has arrived and been held by the Courier company on the instruction of the Customs just because there is no Import Permit for that package. This is important because any delays when the delivery is held up by Customs beyond a day or two whilst waiting for an application and an approval of an Import Permit will lead to a temperature stress of the Haptens. Most usually, the package will not be able to be held refrigerated, and the resultant temperature stress is definitely to be avoided in the heat of the Tropics.

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ADCL emphasise that the Client is responsible for the acquisition of any relevant Import Permit. ADCL will assist as much as we possibly can, from afar.

The Client is therefore responsible for Customs clearance, and for any local costs that may be incurred in the importation.

These additional costs may be one or more of the following:

- Customs Agent Fees

- Possible Customs charges - should be zero for medical products

- Possible local Sales Taxes (e.g. GST, VAT, etc.).

- Possible local onward delivery costs, though this should be part of the delivery process for the international courier, though they may engage a local partner service for the local delivery. 

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Returns

Note that products supplied from Chemotechnique cannot be returned for credit. Such regulated medical products cannot be taken back into the stock of the manufacturer and so be made available for resale. One of the good reasons for this is that the temperature history of the products cannot be guaranteed during the transport to the Customs in the destination country, nor during the waiting time whilst awaiting Customs clearance, nor during any return transit back to the manufacturer.

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Medico-Legal Regulations

If there are any medico-legal regulations or restrictions or limitations on the use of such Patch Test products in the particular country, then the Client is responsible for their own compliance with relevant medico-legal restrictions and requirements of their local country. Most usually, clinical usage of such Patch Test products by any medical Specialist is not restricted.

                                         _________

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If there are any questions about commercial matters or medico-legal matters, then please contact ADCL.

We will do our very best to help you.

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Con nuestras décadas combinadas de experiencia:

• Con la aplicación clínica de las pruebas de parche.

• Con productos Patch Test de varios fabricantes

• Trabajando con Chemotechnique en diferentes países del mundo

• Conocimientos en ventas y marketing internacional.

• Conocimiento de los países y mercados del Caribe.

• Práctica clínica dentro de Dermatología y Alergia

• Experiencia de trabajo con dermatólogos y alergólogos de todo el mundo.

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Creemos firmemente que:

• Podemos proporcionar el mejor servicio y soporte...

• Para obtener los mejores productos de prueba de parches….

• Para que lo utilices en tu práctica clínica.

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Autor de Chemotechnique y producir una emocionante revista electrónica llamada " The Patch Tester " diseñada para los probadores de parches del mundo; brindándole las últimas noticias y desarrollos relevantes en pruebas de parches.

Visite www.patchtester.com para leer todos los números hasta la fecha y suscríbase al boletín informativo Patch Tester para ser el primero en recibir nuevos números. Estos se publican trimestralmente, es decir, a finales de marzo, junio, septiembre y diciembre de cada año. Esta revista electrónica lleva cuatro años y medio publicándose y ya cuenta con 18 números.

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Cada número tiene aproximadamente 40 páginas, con varias características como:

• Novedades de las pruebas de parches

• Novedades de Chemotechnique

• Tema candente

• Hapteno del trimestre

• Reseñas de literatura (al menos 6)

• Reseñas de sitios web

• Congresos y Exposiciones.

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Chemotechnique is 100% focussed and dedicated.........            to the manufacture of patch test products, and the further development of that product line to comply with advances and other changes to the clinical practice of patch-testing Dermatologists and Allergists from around the world.

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They manufacture and offer for sale their patch test products through their global network of over 50 national distributors to  over 100 countries.

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AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd is 100% focussed and dedicated....    to the supply of the patch test products of Chemotechnique to Dermatologists and Allergists throughout the Caribbean region.

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                                Haptens

The > 550 Haptens manufactured and sold by Chemotechnique are available as either individual haptens, presented in 5ml syringes or in 8ml solution in bottles, or as complete Series of individual haptens. These are all available through AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd for Caribbean-based Specialist clinicians.

Individual Haptens
Each of the >550 haptens can be purchased and supplied individually, though for clients in the Caribbean it is far more economical to order and receive an entire Series or more, rather than one or a few individual haptens. This is due to the cost of transportation and the workload involved of payments, import permits, customs clearance, etc.

Series of Haptens
Hapten Series can be either Standard/Baseline Series, or Specialist Series. These Series are simply collections of individual haptens, that have been decided by the leading patch-testing Dermatologists of the country or of the world, and implemented by Chemotechnique.

National & International Standard/Baseline Series
There are currently 30 different Baseline (or Standard) Series,    as described in the Chemotechnique Catalogue 2024 and Chemotechnique website.

Popular examples of Baseline/Standard Series that are relevant for Caribbean-based Dermatologists are as follows:

International Standard Series  IS-1000.             30 haptens

European Baseline Series       S-1000               32 haptens
European Comp. Series          ECB-1000.         42 haptens
Latin American Series              LA-1000            40 haptens
British Standard Series            GB-1000            50 haptens
North American Series             NA-1000            60 haptens
North American Comp. Series  NAC-80             80 haptens

International Comp. Series      ICB-1000.          80 haptens
ACDS Core Series                   AC-1000            90 haptens.

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For a Dermatologist or other Specialist or even General Practitioner contemplating setting up a new Patch Testing service in their clinic, the choice of which hapten/allergen screening series to use may be quite a difficult decision.

In the many countries that have their own national screening series, such as GB, Sweden, Poland, Australia, NZ and many more countries, then the decision is rather easy. Go with the national or regional series that the local expert patch testers have researched and recommended.

The Dermatologist based in Europe could choose their own national series or even the European Baseline Series, or perhaps the European Extended Baseline Series.

But for Dermatologists etc., based in the Caribbean, the choice is not so easy, as there is no Caribbean Baseline Series.

(So perhaps it is time for some leadership from the expert patch testers in various countries of the Caribbean;
CDA, are you listening?).

So which Baseline Series upon which to base your new patch testing service should be selected?

That depends !!

The more comprehensive the Baseline Series, the greater the capital outlay for purchasing all the haptens, as the cost is more-or-less proportional to the number of haptens in the screening panel. Note though that the cost per patch test hapten is only approx. 20 cents ($0.20) per dose administered. So a 40-hapten screening panel will only cost approx. $8.00 in hapten costs, whereas an 80-hapten screening panel will cost approx. $16.00 in hapten costs

Also, the bigger the screening panel, then the greater the number of patch test chambers and chamber strips that will be needed per patient, and so the greater the cost for the chambers. Note though that the cost per patch test chamber is only approx. 18 cents per chamber ($0.18), for the optimal IQ Ultimate chambers.

With hapten costs and chamber costs taken together, a 40-hapten screening panel will only cost approx. $15.20 in material costs, whilst an 80-hapten screening panel will cost double that, so approx. $30.

However, an 80-hapten screening panel is most probably going to be so much more clinically efficient by providing so much more useful clinical information about the patient’s sensitivities.

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The larger panels also tend to be more recently constructed by the relevant Dermatologist organisations of expert patch testers, which therefore would represent the currently clinically relevant haptens. In contrast, the older series may include some haptens which are no longer clinically relevant, and will not include newer haptens that have become clinically important.

So it is a trade-off of cost vs clinical benefit.

There is also the very significant factor of Dermatologists in private practice being in a competitive situation and wanting to offer the best possible service to prospective patients. An 80-hapten testing panel is so much more impressive to a prospective patient than a 40-hapten testing panel, all for just $15 more in material costs.

So which screening panel to choose, and use, and promote??

To help the Dermatologist make their choice, AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd has compiled a table (pdf file) showing the various popular Baseline Series and their constituent haptens/allergens.

This table is available for download here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The table also includes good relevant information on the expiry dates of the relevant haptens/allergens and also information on whether the individual haptens/allergens can be pre-loaded onto chamber strips (IQ Ultimate or IQ Ultra) ahead of the patient consultation.

If you have any questions about these topics, just ask.

Our recommendation is the International Comprehensive Baseline Series (ICB-1000), which is identical to the North American Comprehensive Baseline Series (NAC-80), each with the exact same 80 haptens. 

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As these two series each incorporate 80 haptens, this means approx 80 haptens x 150 patients = 12,000 doses = 12,000 patch test chambers = 1,200 chamber strips = 12 boxes of chambers; (ideally IQ Ultimate for use in the Caribbean).

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Specialist Series
There are currently 24 different Specialist Series, as described in the Chemotechnique Catalogue 2024 and in the Chemotechnique website.

All Specialist Series are as follows:

Bakery Series.                         B-1000                20 haptens

Cosmetic Series                      C-1000                63 haptens
Corticosteroid Series               CS-1000              13 haptens

Cutaneous Adverse Drugs.     CAD-1000            31 haptens

Dental Screening Series.         DS-1000              34 haptens

Dental Materials - Patients.      DMP-1000           24 haptens

Dental Material - Staff.             DMS-1000            10 haptens

Epoxy Series                            E-1000                 15 haptens

Eur. Photopatch - Baseline      EP-1000               19 haptens

Eur. Photopatch - Extended    EPE-1000             12 haptens

Fragrance Series                     F-1000                  48 haptens
Hairdressing Series                 H-1000                 38 haptens

Implant Series                          IMP-1000             44 haptens

Isocyanate Series                    I-1000                    7 haptens

Leg Ulcer Series                      LU-1000               27 haptens

Medicament Series                  ME-1000              21 haptens

Metal Series                             MET-1000           55 haptens

Metal Extended Series             METE-1000         25 haptens

Methacrylate Series 1*             MA-1000             27 haptens

Methacrylate Series 2^             MN-1000             12 haptens

Oil & Cooling Fluid Series.       O-1000                35 haptens

Plant Series                              PL-1000              18 haptens

Plastics & Glues Series            PG-1000             24 haptens
Rubber Additives Series           R-1000                27 haptens
Shoe Series                              SH-1000             24 haptens
Sunscreen Series                      SU-1000            21 haptens
Textile Colours & Finish Series  TF-1000             34 haptens.

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* = Adhesives, Dental, Printing and other

^ = Artificial Nails

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                                Chambers

When purchasing any Series of patch test haptens it is important to also order the patch test Chambers that are an essential part of the patch testing procedure. 

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You may already have patch test Chambers from previously, and these may be from Chemotechnique, or they may be some other chambers from some other manufacturer.

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If, however, you are starting up a patch test service for your patients, or simply rejuvenating your patch test products in total, then it is recommended that your initial purchase of the patch test Haptens includes an order for a corresponding number of patch test Chamber boxes.

For example, a purchase of the LATAM Series of 40 haptens is adequate for 40 x 150-200 tests = 6,000 to 8,000 tests. Each box of Chamber strips contains 100 strips each of 10 Chambers (test sites) so each box is adequate for 1,000 tests. Therefore it is recommended that the initial purchase of a LATAM Series is accompanied by an order of ideally 6 boxes of Chambers.

At the other end of the testing scale, the recently introduced ACDS Core Series, of 90 haptens, would provide 90 x 150 - 200 tests, so in total 13,500 to 18,000 tests, so would require 14 to 18 boxes of Chambers.

The shelf life of the the Chamber boxes is 2 years from date of manufacture and is usually >20 months from date of delivery, with an absolute minimum of 12 months (so the same as the most stable of the Haptens). Simply put, the Haptens would expire before the Chambers, so there is little to no risk in ordering a corresponding number of Chamber boxes along with your order for the patch test Haptens. If the Chambers are ordered together with the Haptens, then there would be very little if any increase in the cost of the delivery, which is approx. US$250 to $300 whether a small package of Haptens or a larger package of Haptens with Chamber boxes. Conversely, ordering Chamber boxes separately later will incur a significant delivery charge (approx. US$250 - $300).

For information on how to use any of the Chemotechnique IQ Chambers, see the YouTube video "Patch Testing the IQ Way".

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There are now available three different patch test Chamber types manufactured by Chemotechnique and available from AllerDerm Caribbean Ltd for Caribbean-based Specialist clinicians.

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BasIQ Ultra™ Chamber BasIQ-U

From early 2023 a third chamber type has become available from Chemotechnique. This is called "BasIQ Ultra", and comprises a new design with open-type chambers (no lid) with 10 test chambers per strip and 50 strips per box.

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•  Each box contains 50 Chamber Strips. Each Chamber Strip contains 10 Chambers (test sites), in 2 parallel rows of 5 chambers. Therefore, each box can do 500 patch tests.

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These new chambers are essentially the simpler type of chambers that are also manufactured and made available by other companies. 

The simplicity of the BasIQ chamber type and the smaller quantity box means that the cost is very much reduced compared to other chamber types.

As there is no sealable lid on the BasIQ Chambers, then they are not suitable for predispensing of the haptens prior to usage, so they are similar in that regard to the patch test chamber types from other manufacturers.

However, in the humid climes of the Caribbean, our strong recommendation is still for the IQ Ultimate Chambers.

Further details of the BasIQ Chambers can be found on page 11 in the Chemotechnique Catalogue 2024

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IQ Ultra™ Chamber IQ-U

This is the default Chamber used for the Chemotechnique patch test system.

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•  Each box contains 100 Chamber Strips. Each Chamber Strip contains 10 Chambers (test sites), in 2 parallel rows of 5 chambers. Therefore, each box can do 1,000 patch tests.

See the adjacent pictures.

Consider that for example, the ACDS Core Series is 90 tests and therefore will require the use of 9 Chamber strips. Thus, a box of Chambers will be adequate for 11 patients each tested with only the ACDS Core Series.

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•  Each chamber has a filter paper incorporated, which eliminates the need to manually add loose filter papers for use with any liquid-based haptens.

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•  The rim of each chamber has an adhesive layer to optimise adhesion to the skin and so to eliminate leakage. This makes IQ Ultra™ a closed-cell system, enhancing occlusion and confining the test reaction within the parameter of the square-shaped chamber.

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•  The size of the IQ Ultra™ chamber strip is small to allow the application of multiple Chamber Strips onto the patients’ backs.

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•  The width of the tape is 52 mm and the length is 118 mm.

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•  The volume of the chamber is 32 μl and the inside area of the chamber is 64 µl.

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•  The chambers are made of thin and soft polyethylene foam material to maximise patient comfort.

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•  The highest quality hypo-allergenic surgical tape is used for the IQ Ultra™.

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•  Each strip of 10 chambers of IQ Ultra™ is attached to a protective plastic cover with corresponding compartments which makes it possible to re-attach the tape after advance filling of the chambers with the haptens.

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 •  A Reading Plate for IQ Ultra™ / IQ Ultimate™ is supplied in each box.

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IQ Ultimate™ Chamber IQ-UL

Practically, the IQ Ultimate™ is suited for more humid and tropical climes (such as the Caribbean region) where sweating/perspiration would be the norm. The IQ Ultimate Chamber is therefore most recommended for use by Caribbean-based Dermatologists.

The IQ Ultimate™ patch test Chamber Strip is based on the widely-used IQ Ultra™ but has three important new features due to it’s new carrier tape.

The three features below are unique for IQ Ultimate™.

1. Water resistant - permits showering 

2. Elastic - allows normal daily activities

3. Transparent - facilitates reading of the tests.

The IQ Ultimate Chamber therefore allows the patient to go about their normal daily activities for the 48-hour period whilst the Chambers are attached to the patient’s back during the patch test procedure.

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See the adjacent pictures.

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• Each box of IQ Ultimate Chamber Strips contains 100 Chamber Strips. Each Chamber Strip contains 10 Chambers (test sites), in 2 parallel rows of 5 chambers. Therefore, each box can do 1,000 patch tests. Consider that for example, the ACDS Core Series is 90 tests and therefore will require the use of 9 Chamber strips. Thus, a box of IQ Ultimate Chambers will be adequate for 11 patients each tested with only the ACDS Core Series.

•  Each chamber is made of additive-free polyethylene plastic foam with a filter paper incorporated, thereby obviating the need for the manual addition of filter paper for use with any liquid-based haptens.

•  The rim of each chamber has an adhesive layer to optimise adhesion to the skin and to eliminate leakage. This makes IQ Ultimate™ a closed-cell system, enhancing occlusion and confining the test reaction within the square-shaped parameter of the chamber. This feature is crucial in standardised patch testing, which is based on the concept of dose of hapten per unit of area of skin under test. The area has to be exactly defined.

•  The chambers are made of thin and soft polyethylene foam material, to maximise patient comfort.

•  A hypo-allergenic transparent carrier film is used for the IQ Ultimate™. 

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•  Each strip of 10 chambers of IQ Ultimate™ is attached to a protective plastic cover with corresponding compartments which makes it possible to re-attach the tape, thereby enabling advance filling of the chambers with the haptens.

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•  The width of the tape is 52 mm., and the length is 118 mm.

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•  The volume of the chamber is 32 µl and the inside area of the chamber is 64 mm2.

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•  A Reading Plate for IQ Ultra™ / IQ Ultimate™ is supplied in each box.

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                             Accessory Products

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Application Device
The Application Device for IQ Ultra™ makes advance filling of test substances even easier. The device is specifically designed for the IQ Ultra™. It is cost effective and saves nurses/technicians time, as they can prepare test series up to two weeks prior to use. Note though that volatile haptens such as acrylates and fragrances should not be pre-loaded. The device significantly facilitates preloading of multiple IQ  Ultra™ or IQ Ultimate™ Patch Test Chamber Strips Units. This is convenient in preparing test series in advance, such as the Baseline Series, for a suitable number of patients. This device is highly recommended, especially for individuals who may not yet be experienced and accustomed to working with patch test chambers.

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The design prevents the Chamber Strips from sliding during application of the haptens. The device is equipped with a special function to detach and attach the syringe caps. This eliminates contamination of fingers during the dispensing of haptens. The device has a low weight of only 0.3 kg. The dimensions are (w x h): 43 x 27 cm.

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For a video of how to best use the Application Device, see here. 

Note that the Application Device is provided free of charge if 3 or more boxes of IQ Ultra or IQ Ultimate chambers are purchased. Be sure to ask for this special offer.

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Reading Plate
The Reading Plate for IQ Ultra™/IQ Ultimate™ is used to facilitate the reading of a patch test. It contains several pictures of different types and grades of patch test positive reactions, irritant reactions and questionable reactions. One Reading Plate is included in every box of Chambers.
 

The Chemo Skin Markers™

These are the ideal solution for marking the patch test site or other dermatology uses. The non-sterile marker contains gentian violet ink which provides an effective means for marking the skin. It has a medium round-type tip for distinct marking. It is long lasting and ideal for the marking of patch test sites. The skin friendly ink is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-tattooing. There are 4 pens in the set.
 

UV Lamp

Chemotechnique offer a handheld UV Lamp for easy reading of fluorescent markings, such as from the Chemo Skin Marker - UV™.

The UV Lamp can also be used as a tool for detecting:

     • Pityriasis Versicolor 

     • Tinea Capitis 

     • Erythrasma

and when investigating alterations of the patient’s pigmentation.

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                             Spot Tests

Chemotechnique also manufacture two Spot Tests which are used by Contact Dermatitis patients to identify the presence of nickel or cobalt in metal objects with which they may come into contact.

For further information see www.chemotechnique.se
or contact ADCL at enquiries@allerderm-caribbean.com.
 

Chemo Nickel Test™

Chemo Nickel Test™ is an easy one-step method to detect free Nickel in metallic objects. The test consists of an ammoniacal solution of Dimethylglyoxime (DMG) for the detection of nickel in various metallic objects. DMG produces a bright, reddish-pink insoluble salt with nickel. The Spot test detects free nickel down to a limit of 10 ppm (parts/million). The sensitivity threshold of most nickel allergic patients is above 11 ppm. Some strongly allergic patients will however still react to objects releasing amounts below the threshold of the test. With no known cure for nickel allergy, nickel avoidance is key to protect your skin from allergic reactions. For further information see Chemotechnique website

or contact ADCL at allerderm.caribbean@gmail.com.

Chemo Cobalt Test™
The Chemo Cobalt Test is an easy one-step method to detect free Cobalt in metallic objects.  The test detects free cobalt down to a limit of 8.3 ppm (parts/million). The sensitivity threshold of most cobalt allergic patients is above 10 ppm. Some strongly allergic patients will however still react to objects releasing amounts below the threshold of the test. Chemo Cobalt Test™ consists of Nitroso-R salt for the detection of cobalt in various metallic objects. Nitroso-R salt produces a bright, reddish-pink insoluble salt with cobalt. This test will be of benefit to you in order to avoid exposure to cobalt thereby minimising contact dermatitis caused by cobalt releasing objects.

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For further information on any Chemotechnique products...
see the  Chemotechnique Catalogue 2024 
or the Chemotechnique website

or contact ADCL at allerderm.caribbean@gmail.com.

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