Penicillin Allergy Testing

Many people believe they have a penicillin allergy. However 90% of people who suspect a penicillin allergy can safely take these antibiotics after proper evaluation. This is important because penicillins are often the first-line treatment for many infections.

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Penicillin allergy testing helps us determine if you have a true allergy or not. Here's what you can expect. 

• The entire process typically takes 2-3 hours.

• Intradermal Skin Testing (for some patients): A small amount of diluted penicillin is injected just beneath the surface of your skin. We will then monitor for reactions like redness, swelling, or itching within 15-20 minutes.

• If the skin test is negative, an oral challenge with a dose of penicillin may be recommended. This is considered the most definitive way to rule out a true allergy. You'll be closely monitored for at least one hour after ingesting the medication to identify any allergic reactions.

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Other medications

In addition to penicillin, Dr. Xu can also assess allergies to other medications including non penicillin antibiotics, analgesics like lidocaine, and topical treatments. The specific testing method will vary depending on the medication being investigated.