713-442-0427
Working on a story? Need a medical expert to interview? Our media relations team can help you arrange an interview.
Media Contacts
Kelsey-Seybold Offers New Dermatologic Diagnostic: Patch Test
Comprehensive Patch Test offered at Tanglewood Clinic; one of few testing sites in the Greater Houston area
Houston (February 14, 2018) – Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is offering comprehensive patch testing for patients with unexplained recurrent or persistent rashes suspected to be caused by an allergen. Patch testing is performed by John Griffin, M.D., F.A.A.D., and is available to patients at Kelsey-Seybold – Tanglewood Clinic at 1111 Augusta Drive, Houston, 77057.
Patch testing is a specialized test that evaluates more than 80 contact allergens to help determine whether a patient’s skin rash is caused or aggravated by an allergy to substances that come in contact with the skin. This test requires additional time and expertise. Dr. Griffin is one of the few dermatologists in the Houston area to offer comprehensive patch testing, despite the significant need for it.
“Contact dermatitis can be caused by a wide variety of allergens. For some patients, a screening patch test may not answer the question, ‘what is causing this rash?’ In the past, these patients would be referred to a provider who performed the comprehensive patch testing, sometimes waiting months for an appointment to have this test done,” said Dr. Griffin. “Being able to offer the comprehensive patch test to our Kelsey-Seybold patients will make testing more convenient, help us expedite getting results, and allow patients to begin treatment more quickly.”
Patients who are most likely the best candidates for patch testing are those who have had recurrent rashes or other skin reactions to substances with which they regularly come into contact. The contact dermatitis could be from something the patient uses in his or her occupation, or a reaction to items such as laundry detergent, makeup, soap, or, for those with unexplained mouth sores, dental appliances.
Patches are worn for three days and removed when the patient returns to the doctor. They are evaluated for any reactions on the day they return and again two days later to ensure a delayed response has not occurred. If the site under or around the patch is irritated, it may indicate a contact allergy.
To learn more about patch testing at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Tanglewood, visit the Kelsey-Seybold Patch Testing webpage or call 713-442-0427.
About Kelsey-Seybold
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is Houston's premier multispecialty group practice, founded in 1949 by Dr. Mavis Kelsey in Houston's renowned Texas Medical Center. More than 850 physicians and allied health professionals practice at 40 locations in the Greater Houston area. Kelsey-Seybold offers quality medical care in 65+ medical specialties. The organization operates the largest freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center in the state of Texas and offers state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam and Varian Edge radiation therapy technology at a nationally accredited Cancer Center. An accredited Sleep Center, comprehensive laboratory services, advanced imaging and diagnostics, 24 onsite Kelsey pharmacies and one specialty pharmacy, and MyKelseyOnline, a secure web portal, are part of its comprehensive offerings. Kelsey-Seybold partners with major insurers to offer value-based commercial health plans. KelseyCare Advantage, a Medicare Advantage plan offered to Houston-area beneficiaries and affiliated with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, has achieved the coveted 5-out-of-5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid for eight consecutive years.
Kelsey-Seybold has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as the nation’s first accredited Accountable Care Organization and is home to a nationally accredited Breast Diagnostic Center and Endoscopy Center.
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 91. NPS is the global standard for measuring customer loyalty and satisfaction. An NPS score of 70 or higher is considered by industry experts to be "world class" and an indicator of overwhelming customer loyalty.