The Effect of Providing Stratification of Low Risk Penicillin Allergies on Penicillin Allergy Label Removal

The Effect of Providing Stratification of Low Risk Penicillin Allergies on Penicillin Allergy Label Removal

Currently it is estimated that at least 25 million people in the United States are labeled as penicillin allergic although less than 1.5 million of these are truly allergic. Although combined skin testing and oral challenge is an evidence-based de-labeling strategy the high burden of penicillin allergy labels means these services are available only through specialty allergy practices. There is therefore a need to provide evidence for alternative penicillin de-labeling strategies such as direct oral challenge. Previous studies have utilized quasi-experimental designs. Test dose challenges are currently recommended as a strategy for removal of low risk drug allergies, but the current experience is limited to single arm observational studies and evidence-based strategies for identifying low risk patients are lacking. Our objective is to demonstrate the benefit of providing risk stratification in removing penicillin allergy labels for low risk penicillin allergy patients in a randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• VUMC patients age 18 or older with a penicillin allergy reported in their chart, and are medically stable, currently admitted to stepdown unit or regular floor bed.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a penicillin allergy reported in their chart, but who are currently medically unstable.
• Pregnant patients