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How To Get A Penicillin Allergy Test Done?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014
Question: Hi,

I have been told I am allergic to penicillin but that was a while ago (about 15 years ago). Is it possible to get a test for penicillin allergy through GPs usually? I have tried to get a test (as penicillin antibiotics are cheaper and more effective than some other kinds) but my doctor said that it's done only in a hospital setting.


Thanks,
Regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You need ICU set up for this.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
In my opinion no need to check for allergy for penicillin. And there is no standard technique available to check this.
And there are good cheap alternatives to penicillin available like cephalosporin group, quinolone group etc.
But if you still want to check than better to get it done in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) facility. As if reaction develops you need injectable steroids and antihistamines and other supportive things like intravenous flids, oxygen etc. And all these are not possible in GP setting. You have to have ICU set up.
Intradermal injections are given in incremental doses and if patient develops chills, rigors, breathlessness, hypotension than he/she is considered to have allergy to penicillin.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (20 hours later)
Thanks Dr. Bhavsar,

I understand that usually the test is done in ICU but just read the following link, where a 30min skin test was sufficient for testing. Is it recommended now to test for the allergy in this way?

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/allergic-penicillin-youre-probably-not-n243161


Thanks,
Regards.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Intradermal test should be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, Thanks for your query on HCM.
Yes, Skin tests should be done for penicillin allergy. I have already mentioned this in my previous answer. I said Intradermal test, which means Skin test only. So skin test in the form of Intradermal injection of penicillin is given. If injection site is not producing any lesion than you are not allergic to it.
But if injection site shows Redness, Erythema, Itching, Blister formation than you are having penicillin allergy. In many cases the reaction is so severe that they develop rashes and itching on whole body with hypotension and breathing defficulties. So in this situation ICU set up is must to deal with this reaction. And no one can predict which patient gives severe allergic reaction to penicillin.
So it is advisable to do it in ICU setting only.
Hope I have solved your queries. If you do not have further queries, please close the conversation and rate the answer. Thanks.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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How To Get A Penicillin Allergy Test Done?

Brief Answer: You need ICU set up for this. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, In my opinion no need to check for allergy for penicillin. And there is no standard technique available to check this. And there are good cheap alternatives to penicillin available like cephalosporin group, quinolone group etc. But if you still want to check than better to get it done in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) facility. As if reaction develops you need injectable steroids and antihistamines and other supportive things like intravenous flids, oxygen etc. And all these are not possible in GP setting. You have to have ICU set up. Intradermal injections are given in incremental doses and if patient develops chills, rigors, breathlessness, hypotension than he/she is considered to have allergy to penicillin. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.