[Penicillin allergy. Provocation in patients with suspected penicillin allergy]

In 61 patients, all Penicilloyl-RAST-negative and with histories of possible allergy to penicillins, a testing procedure to detect penicillin allergy was performed. Sixteen of the patients reacted to the challenge. No serious reactions were registered, although one patient developed an extensive local reaction several hours after intracutaneous application. The testing procedure is considered safe for the patient, if extreme dilutions are used primarily, sufficient observation time is allowed and equipment for treating possible anaphylactic reactions is available. The procedure should be performed in selected patients only. Information about the primary reaction was not useful as a diagnostic parameter for allergic reactions.