Frequently Asked Questions
		My pharmacist cannot order the test. What can I do?
		Order the test directly from SQUARIX GmbH via our online order form (select 'Shop' in the main menu), by fax or by phone.
		Can the cotton pads from the test kit be replaced by 'normal' cotton pads (e.g. Q-tips) ?
		No, this is not possible because the buds are chemically pretreated.
		Is the test designed exclusively to prove nickel or could other metals such as iron, chrome or platinum also cause the red colouring of the pad ?
		Red colouring of the cotton pad may also happen if the object to be examined releases iron. This colouring, however, induced by iron turns brown within a few minutes, and can therefore easily be distinguished from a red colouring caused by nickel: it persists. Chrome or platinum, however, do not cause a discoloration of the cotton pad.
		How long must I rub the cotton pad on the skin if I want to check if I suffer from a nickel allergy or not ?
		You don't apply the Nickel Test Sensitive correctly: you must rub the tested object with the moistened cotton bud, NOT the skin. The test detects nickel released from metallic objects such as jewelry.
		Can I also check food with the Nickel Test Sensitive if it is releasing nickel ?
		No, the test is not suited for that. Anyway the effect of nickel contained in food and absorbed into the body through digestion is different from that of skin exposure.
		Can I prove with the Nickel Test Sensitive if I suffer from a nickel allergy ?
		No. With the Nickel Sensitive Test you can find out if metallic objects release nickel ions in a quantity which clearly exceeds the maximum permissible limits. If the cotton pad turns red and your skin changes where is was in contact with the object, you seem to be allergic to nickel. Your dermatologist can prove your possible allergy, e.g. through adequate allergy tests.
		How much nickel may a piece of jewelry at most release so that it can still be sold and worn ?
		Between 0.5 μg and 0.2 μg of nickel . cm-2 . week-1 ; it depends on the item.
		I would like to check if our drinking water contains nickel. Can I use the Nickel Test Sensitive for it?
		No, the Nickel Test Sensitive is not suited for determination of nickel in liquids.
		Are cotton pads and test solution also separately available ?
		No. There are package sizes of 20 and 100 tests. These packages contain a largely suitable quantity of test solution to carry out the tests.
		Our cooker may contain nickel. Can I check with the Nickel Test Sensitive if the cooker releases nickel ?
		Of course you can check your cookers, pots and kettles to see whether they release nickel or not !