Comparison of 2 penicillin allergy skin test referral strategies.

Nearly 10% of the United States’ population has a history of penicillin reaction, the most reported drug allergy.1-3 However, the prevalence of true immunoglobulin E–mediated hypersensitivity to penicillin is less than 5%.1,2 Furthermore, immunoglobulin E–mediated penicillin sensitivity wanes over time, with reported tolerance rates after 10 years exceeding 80%.1,2 Reported penicillin allergies precipitate the use of alternative antibiotics that increases rates of antimicrobial resistance, Clostridium difficile infection, side effects, and health care costs.