What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing reactions after taking penicillin-type antibiotics, like hives, swelling, or breathing trouble, and you need to find out if penicillin is the cause. It's especially useful if skin testing isn't an option for you, whether because of a skin condition, medication that could interfere, or limited access to that kind of testing. Instead of applying a substance to your skin, this test checks how your blood cells react to a stimulus in a lab setting.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus reactive result looks like. If your result suggests a penicillin sensitivity, the practical next step is avoiding penicillin-based antibiotics and letting any future prescriber know about the reaction. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account, and if you're ever retested down the road, the trends feature lets you compare results side by side over time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like hives, itching, facial or throat swelling, wheezing, or dizziness that show up shortly after taking penicillin or a related antibiotic. More severe signs, like trouble breathing or swelling of the throat, are medical emergencies and mean you should seek medical care right away rather than wait for a lab test. Milder, repeated reactions after antibiotic use are a good reason to look into testing like this one.

How can I naturally support my immune system while managing allergies?

While there's no natural remedy that changes an actual penicillin sensitivity, you can support your overall immune balance with good sleep, regular movement, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fats. Staying hydrated and managing stress also help your body respond better to any immune trigger. None of this replaces avoiding the antibiotic if your results point to a reaction, but it supports your general resilience.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view the full breakdown and download your report.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone who has had a reaction after taking penicillin or a related antibiotic and wants clarity before taking that type of medication again. It's particularly useful for people who can't do traditional skin-prick allergy testing, such as those with certain skin conditions or those on medications like antihistamines that interfere with skin test results. If you've been avoiding penicillin based on an uncertain reaction from years ago, this test can help settle the question.

What is a penicillin sensitivity and why does it matter?

A penicillin sensitivity means your immune system overreacts when exposed to this antibiotic, sometimes causing anything from a mild rash to a severe, dangerous reaction. Knowing whether you truly have this sensitivity matters because it affects which antibiotics are safe for you to take in the future for infections. Without clear answers, you might unnecessarily avoid an effective, low-cost antibiotic or, worse, risk a reaction by taking it again.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result suggests your blood cells reacted in a way consistent with a penicillin sensitivity, meaning your body may respond negatively if you take this antibiotic again. This is important information to keep on hand and share whenever you're being treated for an infection in the future. It doesn't mean every antibiotic is off-limits, just penicillin-type ones.

How often should I retest?

This isn't a test you'd repeat routinely, since it's checking for a fixed sensitivity rather than a value that changes over time. You'd typically only retest if your first result was inconclusive or if a lot of time has passed and you want to confirm whether a past reaction still applies. Otherwise, one clear result is generally enough to guide future antibiotic choices.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result points to a penicillin sensitivity, the main step is avoiding penicillin and related antibiotics going forward and keeping a record of this for any future medical treatment. Wearing a medical alert bracelet or noting it in your personal health records can help avoid accidental exposure. If you ever experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing after any medication, treat it as an emergency and seek medical care immediately.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Penicillin Allergy Blood Test - Antibiotic Sensitivity Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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