Allergy Panel Antibiotics Enzyme Assay Skin
What is this test?
Allergy antibiotics enzyme assay skin test is used to test the sensitization of your skin towards the antibiotics that are commonly used. This test helps to know the immune response of the body towards the antibiotics. In this test, your skin is slightly pricked and introduced to antibiotics to be tested.
What is antibiotics allergy?
Antibiotics are used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are available in different dosage forms such as a tablet, capsule, injection, suppositories, etc. Individuals who are allergic to antibiotics may experience symptoms regardless of dosage forms. This medicine has to be only used on a medical prescription. Common antibiotics that cause allergic reactions are penicillin, amoxicillin, or other similar antibiotics, antibiotics containing sulfonamides, etc.
Antibiotics allergy is an allergic reaction of the body towards it. This occurs due to the immune response of the body towards the antibiotics. The signs and symptoms of antibiotics allergy are skin rashes, swelling of the face, lips, and/or eyes, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, hives, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. Sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and occur within an hour of taking an antibiotic. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency condition which leads to facial flushing, chest tightness, shock, sudden fall in blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen throat, difficulty to breathe, dizziness, collapse, etc.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed in individuals who need a treatment with antibiotics to check for allergy or when you are suspected to have antibiotics allergy. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience signs and symptoms of antibiotics allergy such as skin rashes, swelling of the face, lips, and/or eyes, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, hives, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Allergy Panel Antibiotics Enzyme Assay Skin. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Allergy Panel Antibiotics Enzyme Assay Skin.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by the healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
After getting exposed to antibiotics if you develop rashes on the skin or a wheal or flare reaction (immediate reaction to an allergen) at the test location that is at least 3 mm of size indicate that you may have an antibiotic allergy.
If there is no reaction or rashes present on the skin after getting exposed to the antibiotics then it may indicate that you are not allergic to antibiotics.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | A wheal and flare reaction of atleast 3mm indicates that the patient is allergic to the substance |