Before joint replacement surgery, a doctor will do a metal allergy test with a patch on the arm for a couple of days. If your skin is irritated by the patch, you are "probably" allergic to one or more metals. My surgeon (Dr. Nguyen) stressed that probably wasn't good enough. He suggested that I have a blood test that was analyzed by a lab in Chicago to make certain I was not allergic to metal.
At my expense, I opted for the test and was found to be non allergenic to metals. In 2013, the blood test was $265 and well worth it in my mind. I have read studies and stats that show from 1 in 4 to 1 in 7 people are most likely allergic to metals. This is not an insignificant number. I strongly urge the blood test before joint replacement surgery. As stated above, there are ceramic options available, at least with knee replacements.
I am led to believe that anyone with an allergy that has had a metal joint replacement most likely will suffer from extreme pain and be at high risk for infection. These individuals should certainly be under the care of a qualified physician.
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