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Review
. 2025 May;13(5):1004-1010.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.12.043. Epub 2025 Jan 16.

Resensitization-Should Repeat Testing Be Performed in Patients Undergoing Penicillin Allergy Evaluations? A Pro-Con Debate

Ami P Belmont  1 , Roland Solensky  2 , Inmaculada Doña  3 , María Salas  3 , María José Torres  4
Affiliations
Review

Resensitization-Should Repeat Testing Be Performed in Patients Undergoing Penicillin Allergy Evaluations? A Pro-Con Debate

Ami P Belmont et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2025 May.

Abstract

Evaluating penicillin allergy labels and expanding access to preferred treatment options safely is of critical public health importance. Most patients with penicillin allergy labels are not allergic, and even in those with verified allergy, sensitization wanes over time. However, sensitization is complex, and whereas a patient may have a negative penicillin allergy evaluation (including a drug challenge), resensitization can occur, raising a risk of a subsequent reaction on exposure. In this pro-con debate we deliberate on whether patients who have had negative penicillin allergy evaluations should undergo retesting for sensitization before subsequent administrations. The pro position is presented by Drs Inmaculada Doña, María Salas, and María Torres, whereas the con position is described by Drs Ami Belmont and Roland Solensky.

Keywords: Adverse drug reactions; Drug allergy; Penicillin allergy; β-Lactam allergy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of conflicts of interest: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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