We Specialize In
Allergy Testing

People are mistakenly thought to be allergic for many reasons, the most common are:

• Symptom Confusion – A rash, originally thoug to be from penicillin, may have been casused by the current illness and not the penicillin antibiotic. Many diseases cause rashes and other symptoms that are often confused with an allergy.
• Immune System Changes – Many patients outgrow allergies as their immune system develops, so even if you once were truly allergic, you may not be now.
• Side Effects from Medications – Medications can sometimes cause people to not feel well, have an upset stomach and other discomforts that may seem like an allergy when they are just side effects.

The only way to know if you are truly allergic is to be tested.

Understanding whether or not you are really allergic to penicillin is important for your health both now and in the future.

For many illnesses, penicillin is the best treatment option available.

• Penicillin is less expensive than other drugs and may be available at no cost at your local pharmacy.
• Alternatives to penicillin can contribute to the problem of drug resistance (aka Super Bugs) which may make antibiotics less effective in the future.

Ask your doctor about getting skin tested for penicillin allergy. The test is simple and only takes an hour.

Although you can be tested at any time, having access to penicillin antibiotics may make a visit to the doctor, hospital or urgent care less expensive.

Ask your doctor about testing today.

Skin testing for penicillin allergy is a three-step process:

1. Scratch Testing – Your healthcare provider will first perform skin tests by gently scratching the surface of the skin a few times. If you receive a positive result, the test stops at this stage. If your reaction is negative, your doctor will proceed to the next step.
2. Intradermal Testing – If scratch testing is negative, your doctor will conduct intradermal testing. This consists of a few small injections, just under the skin’s surface.
3. Test Dose – Your doctor may decide to give you a test dose, sometimes called an oral challenge. This usually involves being given a penicillin tablet while under observation.

The best source of information on penicillin allergy skin testing is your doctor.  Be sure to ask your doctor whether or not you are a candidate for testing and discuss the benefits and risks of getting tested.

As with other diagnostic tests, penicillin allergy skin testing does carry risks. Some risks can be serious and life-threatening. Be sure to check with your doctor about the benefits and risks of testing.