Penicillin Allergy Testing Q & A
Why do I need penicillin allergy testing?
As many as 90% of men and women who think they are allergic to penicillin discover they aren’t once they take a skin test. For those who are truly allergic to penicillin, side effects and symptoms can become dangerous. It’s time to schedule a amoxicillin test if you experience any of the following issues after taking anything with penicillin:
- Hives or rashes
- Throat swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Widespread itchiness
These are some of the early red flags of a severe reaction that could lead to anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition.
What happens during penicillin allergy testing?
Your dedicated allergist at Allergy Testing Center sits down with you and discusses your family medical history, personal medical history, and current symptoms. Next, they perform allergy testing with both-Pre-Pen® and penicillin G. If these tests are negative, the final step is an oral challenge with either penicillin or amoxicillin. If the oral challenge is negative, our board-certified allergists write a report stating that you are no more likely to have an allergic reaction to penicillin than anyone else in the general population and that the term, “Allergic to Penicillin” can safely be removed from your medical record.
This FDA-approved amoxicillin test involves injecting small amounts of penicillin derivatives into your skin with a tiny needle. If you’re allergic, you develop a red, itchy bump.
Are there treatments for penicillin allergies?
If you’re allergic to penicillin, you need to avoid the drug and all related drugs.
Because penicillin is essential for treating a wide variety of illnesses, your allergist could suggest drug desensitization. This allergy treatment involves taking increasing doses of penicillin over the course of several hours.
To get a penicillin allergy test at Allergy Testing Center, book an appointment online or call the location nearest you.