Penicillin allergy testing: An outpatient nurse-driven program for patients with cancer Journal Article


Authors: Morjaria, S.; Inumerables, F.; Patel, D.; Cohen, N.; Seo, S.; Posthumus, S.; Martin, S. C.; Kaltsas, A.; Lee, S.; Boucher, N.; Fischer-Cartlidge, E.
Article Title: Penicillin allergy testing: An outpatient nurse-driven program for patients with cancer
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Penicillin allergy testing (PAT) can decrease the use of unnecessary antibiotics by clarifying who is truly allergic. OBJECTIVES: This article describes the development and implementation of an oncology outpatient nurse-driven PAT program. METHODS: A nurse-driven program, initiated with allergy screening at the first encounter, was designed to identify patients with oncologic diagnoses eligible for PAT. Once verified eligible, patients undergo a three-step testing process (scratch test, intradermal injection, and IV challenge dose) administered by the infusion nurse. FINDINGS: From November 2018 to December 2019, 82 outpatients with reported penicillin allergies were screened; 90% were eligible for PAT, and 97% of patients tested were negative for penicillin allergy. A significant reduction in aztreonam use among patients admitted for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was also noted as compared to before PAT was offered.
Keywords: oncology; penicillin; allergy screening; penicillin allergy testing
Journal Title: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
Volume: 25
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1092-1095
Publisher: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)  
Date Published: 2021-04-01
Start Page: 143
End Page: 150
Language: English
DOI: 10.1188/21.Cjon.143-150
PUBMED: 33739344
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 May 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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