Skin test for diagnosis of penicillin allergy--current status

Abstract

The skin test for evaluating allergy to penicillin is reviewed. The reagents, penicillin, penicilloylpolylysine, benzyl penicilloate, and benzyl penilloate provide a safe and effective skin test for screening out the likelihood of severe allergic reactions to penicillin. The skin test gives much more accurate information than the patient's history and will enable many patients to receive penicillin despite a past history of allergy to the drug. Recent developments in the standardization and stabilization of the minor determinant mixture should result in making this reagent more available.