Combined with the second book of this mini-series "Management of Positive Patch Test Reactions", the text gives a comprehensive account on all matters involved when treating patients with allergic skin problems. It is intended to be a cook book for daily dermatological practise. It provides an updated standardized version on patch testing and prick testing procedures. The different techniques, the visual scoring and the pitfalls interpreting positive and/or negative results are covered in detail. Additional tests such as open, semi-open, roat and use tests, photopatch tests and atopy patch tests are described as well. The revised international standard series of patch tests is reviewed, including succinct explanations for each allergen.