Evaluation of the dimethylglyoxime stick test for the detection of nickel.

The value of the dimethylglyoxime stick test for the detection of nickel was determined for 54 randomly purchased metal objects designed for prolonged skin contact, and for 15 metal alloys of known composition. Surface nickel content was determined by EDAX analysis (energy dispersive X-ray) and nickel release in synthetic sweat was measured by Zeemann atomic absorption spectrometry. The study confirmed that the dimethylglyoxime stick test will identify most nickel containing alloys. There are, however, important exceptions. In such cases provocative user tests or patch tests with the suspected alloy are indicated.