The Human maximisation test (HMT) is a test method for testing for contact allergens. It was first developed by Albert Kligman in 1966[1] and updated by Kligman and William Epstein in 1975.[2] The first paper appeared 1966[3] and was a citation classic in 1985.[4]
The test uses human medical volunteers (usually 25) and sodium laureth sulphate to maximise. Because of the potentially large human reaction, it is generally not considered ethical to use today.[5] It does not have a guideline under the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. It has been compared with the murine local lymph node assay[6][7]