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Glite Dictionary
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patch test

patch test

3.6
A test that puts small sticky pads with substances on skin to check for allergy
  • noun
  • /pæʧ tɛst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : prueba de parche
  • Twenty-eight out of 35 patients had a positive (allergic) patch test reaction.
  • a positive patch test
  • patch test reaction

Examples

  • She experienced an allergic reaction, so her doctor recommended a patch test to identify the trigger.

  • Before trying out any cream or gel, the patch test can be done.

    Blog text (19)

  • In our study, a rather high percentage (80%) of patients had a positive reaction in the patch test.

    Academic text (2007)

  • Therefore, interpretation of positive patch test reactions to thimerosal should be done carefully.

    Academic text (2007)

  • She was referred to the local dermatology clinic, which carried out a patch test.

    Academic text (2014)

  • The frequency of positive patch test reactions was higher in females (82.6%) than in males (75%), but it was not statistically significant (P=0.66 by Fisher's Exact test).

    Academic text (2007)

  • The doctor advised me to perform a patch test on a small area of my skin before using the new cream.

  • Before using any new cosmetics, it is important to do a patch test to check for allergic reactions.

Synonyms

skin test
vspatch test
  • Specialized
2 3.5

A medical test that puts a small amount of something on the skin to check for allergy or past infection

applies soaked pads to unbroken skin without puncturing it
scratch test
vspatch test
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A simple test that finds allergies by putting small drops on tiny cuts in the skin

applies allergens on intact skin using soaked patches without scratching
intradermal test
vspatch test
  • Specialized
5.1

A small medical test that puts a tiny amount of an allergen under the skin to see if you react

places allergens on the unbroken skin surface without any injection
subcutaneous test
vspatch test
  • Specialized
6.2

A medical test that puts a small amount of an allergy-causing substance under the skin to see if you react

uses noninvasive soaked pads on intact skin rather than injections

How Invasive

subcutaneous test
  • Specialized
6.2
intradermal test
  • Specialized
5.1
skin test
  • Specialized
2 3.5
patch test
  • Specialized
3.6

Surface Forms

patch test singular
patch tests plural

Morphology

patch + test

The meaning 'a test of a software patch' is directly and compositionally derived from 'patch' (a set of code changes) + 'test' (an activity that checks performance). This noun–noun compound follows a transparent 'X test' pattern (a test of X), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings—including 'patch' in the software sense—can readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The medical patch test gets its name from small sticky patches put on the skin, each with a little amount of a substance to try. If a patch makes the skin red or itchy, it shows an 'allergy', so the test helps doctors find what causes the irritation.