You can watch this clip in YouTube here: Drug / Medication Allergy
This video will try to shatter some myths of Drug Allergy. The most common myth is that Drug Allergy can be easily diagnosed by the doctor through a simple blood test. The truth is that there is no such blood test at this time. Under research is Basophil Activation Tests, but this tool is not currently ready for commercial application. If you have drug allergy, write down the name of the drug and what happened. Even better if you could list alternative medications that you can use. Find out what you should do if you have drug allergy.
The proper evaluation of Drug Allergy starts with a detailed history. From there, the Allergist/Immunologist will decide if testing is warranted to diagnose the allergy. More importantly, further testing may be needed to determine if other medications could be utilized.
Skin prick test and intradermal test for drug allergy
Drug allergy testing usually starts with the skin prick test, this method scratches and introduces the suspected drug onto the skin. Reaction will be a mild swelling that looks like a mosquito bite localized to the skin.
If the initial skin prick test (SPT) is negative, the drug is then diluted down to the weakest concentration and a small amount is then injected into the skin. This test is called the intradermal test (IDT) and is more sensitive than the skin prick test. If the weakest concentration is negative, higher concentrations that are non irritating will be used. Reaction will also be a mild swelling that looks like a mosquito bite localized to the skin.
Drug Provocation Challenge
Finally, if all the skin tests are negative. A drug provocation challenge either orally or intravenously is done. In this procedure, a fraction of the full drug dose is first administered and if there is no reaction, a higher dose is then given until the total therapeutic drug dose is achieved. The patient is closely observed during this procedure as reactions can be quite severe and can include generalized hives, swelling of the lips, shortness of breath and wheezing. Emergency medications are on standby in case of reactions. If the drug provocation test produces no reaction, then the person does not have allergy to the drug in question.
After the testing is done
After the tests are conducted, patient will be counselled on what drug was tested and if there are any allergies found and what alternative drug can be used. The drug allergy record will be also be updated and given to the patient.
Drug allergy testing is a valuable service provided by an Allergist/Immunologist to help identify what medications can or cannot be taken. In patients with antibiotic allergy, proper testing can help identify or remove the antibiotic allergy label and prevent antibiotic resistance for the future. Find out the Truth about Penicillin Allergy
