What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you've experienced unexplained allergic reactions after taking cephalosporin antibiotics (like Keflex, Ceftin, or Rocephin) or if you need to confirm whether you're truly allergic to this common antibiotic family. It helps identify if your immune system reacts to cephalosporins when traditional skin testing isn't available or appropriate. Many people use this test when they've had concerning reactions to antibiotics but need concrete answers before avoiding these medications in the future.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether your blood cells reacted to cephalosporin antibiotics and what this means for your medication safety. These notes include personalized recommendations like which antibiotics to avoid, alternative medication options to discuss with your doctor, and whether further allergy testing may be helpful. You'll also get the standard lab report and can share these results with all your healthcare providers to ensure safe prescribing in the future.

What's included in this test?

This test measures BasoFunction HRT Cephalosporin. This test evaluates how your white blood cells (basophils) respond when exposed to cephalosporin antibiotics in a controlled laboratory setting. This functional test measures cell stimulation with histamine release, providing direct evidence of whether your immune system reacts to this antibiotic family. It's particularly valuable when skin testing isn't suitable or when you need objective confirmation of a suspected cephalosporin allergy.

How should I prepare for this test?

If you're taking calcineurin inhibitors (medications like tacrolimus or cyclosporine, often used after organ transplants or for certain autoimmune conditions), you'll need to stop taking them 72 hours before your blood draw. This allows for accurate test results. For all other patients, no special preparation is typically required, though you should inform your healthcare provider of all medications you're taking.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for anyone who has experienced allergic symptoms after taking cephalosporin antibiotics, including rashes, hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, or unexplained reactions. It's also useful for people with documented penicillin allergies who need to know if they can safely use cephalosporins, or for individuals who need confirmation of an allergy before important medical procedures. Healthcare workers and people with chronic conditions requiring frequent antibiotics may also benefit from knowing their allergy status.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You may need this test if you've experienced skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or digestive upset after taking cephalosporin antibiotics. Other concerning signs include unexplained fever, joint pain, or feeling generally unwell that started after beginning antibiotic treatment. Even if symptoms were mild or you're unsure which medication caused them, this test can help clarify whether cephalosporins are safe for you.

What is a cephalosporin allergy and why does it matter?

Cephalosporins are a widely-used family of antibiotics that treat many common infections like strep throat, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. An allergy to these medications means your immune system overreacts to them, potentially causing symptoms ranging from mild rashes to severe, life-threatening reactions. Knowing your allergy status is crucial for safe medical care, as it helps doctors choose the right antibiotics and avoid potentially dangerous reactions during treatment.

What are cephalosporin antibiotics?

Cephalosporins are a common class of antibiotics related to penicillin, used to treat bacterial infections throughout the body. Common examples include cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Ceftin), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), and cefdinir (Omnicef). They work by disrupting bacterial cell walls and are frequently prescribed for respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. Because they're chemically similar to penicillin, some people allergic to penicillin may also react to cephalosporins.

How is this test different from skin testing?

This blood test analyzes how your immune cells respond to cephalosporins in a laboratory setting, while skin testing applies small amounts of the drug directly to your skin. Blood testing is safer for people with severe allergy histories, those taking medications that interfere with skin tests, or individuals with skin conditions that make skin testing unreliable. It's also more convenient as it requires only a blood draw and doesn't carry the small risk of triggering an allergic reaction during testing.

What should I do if my test shows a cephalosporin allergy?

If your test confirms a cephalosporin allergy, inform all your healthcare providers and pharmacists immediately, and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. Keep an updated list of safe alternative antibiotics your doctor recommends, which may include azithromycin, fluoroquinolones, or other non-beta-lactam antibiotics depending on your needs. Always mention this allergy before any medical procedures, dental work, or emergency care, and ask your doctor about having an epinephrine auto-injector if your reactions have been severe.

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.

Cephalosporin Allergy Test - Antibiotic Sensitivity

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

[email protected]

Blood Test for Cephalosporin Antibiotic Allergy

BasoFunction™ HRT Cephalosporin

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Cephalosporin Antibiotic Allergy

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say