Blood Test ID’s Nickel Allergy

Allergic to nickel? Patients about to undergo joint replacement surgery can now get a simple blood test that will reveal whether or nor they are allergic to metals. A team has devised a blood test to determine allergies to nickel and is working on developing blood tests for other allergens such as cobalt and the bone cement that is used in most implants.

The researchers forecast that by 2030, more than 11, 000 people a day will have implant surgeries in the U.S. alone. That is an increase of 174% for hip replacements and nearly 700% for knees.

Karin Pacheco, an allergist at National Jewish Health in Denver said that joint replacement patients with “serious allergies due to implants are a problem that is sure to get worse in the coming years. We are an aging society, and the number of people who need new joints is going to increase and, for some of these people, they won’t know that they’re allergic until after the implant is put in.” She added, “Nine out of 10 people who get implants do great. But 10% don’t, and they’re miserable.”

Pacheco and her team at National Jewish Health came up with the first blood test that can detect allergies to nickel. Nickel is not only one of the most common metals used in joint implants, but it’s also the most common contact allergen. Pacheco says there are many advantages to the concept of using a blood test to check for allergies before surgery.