Overview

• Researchers recruited 823 patients from 51 GP practices across England to undergo oral and skin challenge tests followed by a three-day home course if no reaction occurred
• Of 365 participants assessed, 92 per cent tested negative for penicillin allergy and 321 had their records delabeled after 12 months
• Delabeling led to fewer overall antibiotic prescriptions, allowing more first-line penicillin use and helping combat antimicrobial resistance
• Economic analysis indicates short-term cost-effectiveness with projected long-term savings from reduced consultations, hospital stays and emergency admissions
• The research team is collaborating with NHS stakeholders to address specialist capacity constraints and ensure wider patient access to penicillin allergy assessments