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  • Writer's pictureMysaaller Gist

All You Need to Know about PCN Testing



Penicillin and associated antibiotics are some of the oldest and most popularly used antibiotics accessible. They are very active against a wide variety of contaminations, are low-cost, and are usually well tolerated. Unfortunately, there are many people who think they are allergic to penicillin, up to 10% of the people reporting an allergy symptom for penicillin. Studies show that however when people who report being allergic to penicillin are tested for the allergy, approximately 90% are not allergic. PCN testing at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center plays a significant role in eliminating such confusion.

This testing is available, is a fairly simple procedure, and most often leads an individual who thought they were allergic to the penicillin to find out that they are not really allergic to the antibiotic, or are no longer allergic. Most allergists have the capability to make penicillin allergy testing.


Evading Penicillin Can Lead to Other Complications


Most people with a penicillin allergy avoid taking penicillin and associated antibiotics, as there is a wide assortment of other antibiotics to take should an infection happen. But is this the right method to take? Numerous studies show that when an individual is labeled as penicillin-allergic, several complications may rise as a result of being given other antibiotics.

First, the price of taking non-penicillin antibiotics goes up vividly. Studies show that the normal cost of antibiotics in a patient with a penicillin allergy is about 60 times greater than in those without a penicillin allergy. Secondly, the use of non-penicillin antibiotics, particularly in a hospital setting, upsurges the risk for the growth of infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, like vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Finally, the use of non-penicillin antibiotics also put an individual at higher risk of developing Clostridium difficile colitis, a perilous infection of the bowels caused by the use of strong antibiotics. So, you should not avoid taking penicillin. If you are worried about taking penicillin, make sure you conduct an allergy testing San Antonio.


How PCN Testing Is Performed


Usually, skin prick testing is performed first that is able to recognize the most sensitive penicillin-allergic people. If skin hole testing is positive, the person then is considered to be allergic to penicillin, and no added testing is done. If skin prick testing is negative, then intradermal skin testing is executed with the same materials. Intradermal skin testing recognizes more people with penicillin allergy but is possibly dangerous in the most sensitive people. This is the cause why skin prick testing is performed first. All these procedures are safely done at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center. Our board-certified allergist San Antonio can perform all these testing with high efficiency.

If you are confused about penicillin allergy, then you must perform a PCN testing at Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center. We spend a substantial amount of time explaining your diagnosis, accessible testing, and treatment plan. Cosmetic and aesthetic treatments plans are also provided by us. Contact us for a safe allergy treatment.

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