Allergy Diagnostics and Treatment

Penicillin Skin Prick Testing

Testing for sensitivity to Penicillin may be a vitally important procedure for a patient suspected from the previous clinical history of being sensitised to Penicillin, and for whom treatment with a Penicillin-related antibiotic may be optimal. It is important to test for not just the major determinants of penicillin ("PPL"), but also the minor determinants (MDM").

This testing procedure is usually accomplished through the use of a commercially available kit, (one of three different variants) that is to be used only by Specialist Allergists, in the hospital Allergy Clinic.

As these diagnostic kits are not MedSafe registered then information may only be provided, to New Zealand medical professionals, on specific request.

Please ask: tsnegirev@nzms.co.nz or call 021-627 515 or 09-259 4062.

The latest information (as of 21/8/08) for New Zealand medical professionals on the availability of the Skin Prick Test reagents for PPL and MDM can be obtained by viewing the Restricted Access section of this website. Contact NZMS to obtain your password. Enter your password here.

The product may only be supplied to a New Zealand medical professional through Section 29 Supply only. See below for further information.

Product information is available on specific request from NZMS, or see the corporate website of the manufacturer.

The following medical/scientific publications and related documents pertaining to Penicillin Skin Prick Testing are available here for download:

1. Publication "PPL and MDM skin test: New test kit is helpful in detecting immediate-type allergy to beta-lactams" by Regina Treudler et al. Click here to download.
2. Publication "A comparison of the performance of two penicillin reagent kits in the diagnosis of b-lactam hypersensitivity" by Romano et al Click here to download.
3. Publication "Skin testing for immediate hypersensitivity to beta lactams: comparison between two commercial kits" by Rodriguez-Bada Click here to download.
4. Publication "Experience with Diater Penicillin Skin Testing reagents in 80 patients" by Fitzharris et al. Local publication!! Click here to download.
5. Publication "Skin Testing to exclude IgE-mediated Penicillin allergy: Efficacy of a new commercial test" by Nolan, Puy et al. Local publication!! Click here to download.
6. Product Instructions for Use. Available only from within the Restricted Access section of this website. See above.
7. Acknowledgement Form. Available only from within the Restricted Access section of this website. See above.
8. Product Order Form. Available only from within the Restricted Access section of this website. See above.
9. Product Information. Available only from within the Restricted Access section of this website. See above.

Last updated 21st August 2008