The optimization test in the guinea-pig. A method for the predictive evaluation of the contact allergenicity of chemicals.

Guinea-pigs were sensitized with various substances (DNCB, penicillin G, PPL, ethylaminobenzoate, formalin) by the Draize method, the maximization method and the new optimization method (intracutaneous test employing adjuvant). The advantages of the optimization method favouring its adoption as a standard sensitization test are discussed in the light of the results obtained by this method and with the two established tests.