Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2011 Dec;31(4):260-271.

Questionnaire Survey on Drug Allergy Testing in Korea

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Although allergic and hypersensitive reactions to drugs are important clinical problems, the diagnosis of these conditions has been subject to major limitations in actual practice. This study investigated the current status of diagnostic approaches to drug allergies and the current barriers to the implementation of drug allergy testing in Korea.
METHODS
The drug allergy workgroup of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology sent an online questionnaire to its members. A total of 175 members voluntarily replied. The questionnaire consisted of 33 questions about the current status of test implementation and the details of testing for antibiotics, aspirin/non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and radiocontrast media.
RESULTS
Most subjects (97.7%) believed that drug allergy testing was necessary, but only 56.6% performed these tests in their practice. The leading barriers to drug allergy testing were lack of personnel, facilities, and/or relevant skills. Only 45.7% and 39.4% of subjects performed tests to confirm and identify the causative drug in patients suspected of allergies to antibiotics and aspirin/NSAIDs, respectively. Marked heterogeneity among the responders regarding diagnostic approach, methods of skin testing, and provocation tests for antibiotics, aspirin/NSAIDs, and radiocontrast media were found.
CONCLUSION
Efforts to develop tests with greater clinical value and more rigorous standardization protocols are needed to improve the implementation of drug allergy testing.

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Asthma
Contrast Media
Drug Hypersensitivity
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Korea
Population Characteristics
Skin Tests
Surveys and Questionnaires
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Contrast Media