Approaching the patient with penicillin allergy: Practical Advice.
Salkind et al. Is this patient allergic to pcn? An evidence-based analysis of the likelihood of penicillin allergy. JAMA. 2001.
Meta-analysis of 4 studies that compared the clinical hx with skin test results.
Results: Presence of any hx of allergy increases the likelihood of a (+) skin test (LR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.5) Absence of pcn allergy hx decreases likelihood that pt. will have a (+) skin test (LR 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4-0.6)
Conclusions: Clinicians should systematically document adverse rxn to PCN. Most pts. can take it safely. Authors suggest an approach to hx taking....