Over 90% of patients who believe they are allergic to penicillin are actually not. They can safely take the drug, avoiding expensive, less-effective broad-spectrum alternatives. Testing clears this label.
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Diagnostic Test
Drug Allergy Test
Skin and graded oral testing for antibiotics, anaesthetics, NSAIDs and more.
Duration:Per protocol
Overview
Drug allergy testing is a specialized procedure used to evaluate adverse reactions to medications, such as penicillin, cephalosporins, aspirin, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, or chemotherapy agents. Since many drug reactions are not truly allergic, testing is crucial to avoid unnecessary drug avoidance and ensure safe alternative options.
How It Works
- History Review: Analysis of the past reaction (timing, skin rash, breathing issues).
- Skin Prick & Intradermal Testing: Performed on the forearm with diluted concentrations of the drug.
- Graded Provocation Challenge: If skin tests are negative, we administer the drug orally or intravenously in slowly increasing doses under continuous observation.
What to Expect
- A highly structured, cautious protocol.
- An observation period of 1 to 2 hours after the final dose.
- A detailed report indicating which drugs are safe to use in the future.
Who Is It For?
- Patients labeled as 'penicillin-allergic' who need optimal antibiotic choices.
- Individuals requiring surgery who had a suspected reaction to anesthesia.
- Heart patients needing aspirin desensitization.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Drug testing and provocation challenges carry a risk of systemic reactions and must always be performed in a clinical setting equipped with emergency resuscitation facilities.
Take the next step
Interested in booking a drug allergy test? Consult our specialists.
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