Immediate Hypersensitivity Skin Testing for Penicillin Allergy

Inpatient penicillin skin testing results using the major and three minor determinants in patients with prior histories of penicillin allergy during a six year period is presented. Seven of 55 patients had positive skin test results and were treated with alternate antibiotics. Three of 48 skin test negative patients experienced mild, early reactions during initial penicillin therapy. One immediate systemic reaction occurred in a patient who was skin tested only with penicillin G and the major determinant. In conclusion, penicillin skin testing can be safely performed in hospitalized patients and is useful in situations where a penicillin in clinically indicated but its use might otherwise be precluded by a history of a prior reaction.