Effects of skin sensitization test wrapping on guinea pigs.

Skin sensitization testing in guinea pigs, using methods such as the Buchler, maximization and split adjuvant, requires wrapping the animals torso to secure the test patch to the skin. Potential health effects of wrapping other than temporary stress, are generally not considered. The repeated wrapping procedure typically used in epicutaneous skin sensitization testing can result in the development of hepatic necrosis, confirming observations made following a single wrapping during acute irritation screening.