Duke's penicillin allergy test helps man find proper diagnosis

Specialists at Duke University's Allergy and Immunology Clinic can check people for the allergy through a skin test. Andre Henry, 41, was diagnosed with a penicillin allergy when he was 8 years old, and he wanted to be tested again to make sure.

"I wanted to verify for sure," Henry said.

When he takes the antibiotic, Henry said he breaks out in hives, an itchy rash, and becomes short of breath. The symptoms can be life threatening.

Henry wears a Medic Alert bracelet that identifies his allergy. The engraved message reads, "Anaphylaxis Penicillin," but it's hardly legibly after more than three decades of wear and tear.

Duke's Dr. Renee Kleris said, "10 percent (of people) actually report having a penicillin allergy, but less than 1 percent is actually still allergic when you do the testing."

Kleris said people often outgrow the allergy or perhaps they never really had it.

The first two phases of the allergy test involve a series of skin pricks and intradermal injections. For Henry, the test brought good news.

"You've passed all your skin tests," Kleris told Henry at a recent visit. "Then we did the oral challenge to amoxicillin, and you're completely cleared of your penicillin allergy."

The news meant Henry can now safely receive penicillin or related antibiotics. It also meant he can get rid of the bracelet around his wrist.

"I'll probably throw it really far away, or I'll keep it for memorabilia," Henry said.

Kleris said penicillin works well for pneumonia and infections of the throat, skin and ears. It also comes with fewer side effects than broad spectrum antibiotics.

"Every time that a patient is given a broad spectrum antibiotic, there's a potential that you'll increase bacterial resistance," Kleris said.

For Henry, the test result means freedom.

"Freedom to know that I'm on the right track," he said. "I know what my diagnosis actually is, and that's really important to me."

Kleris said making penicillin more available for patients is especially important if they need surgery. It can also be important for patients who have suppressed immune systems or if they are preparing for organ transplant surgery.

Kleris recommended people speak with their doctors about getting tested.