Value of allergic intradermal reactions to antibiotics in preparation for surgery (in patients with a history of drug allergy)

: An allergological examination technique for application in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to antibiotics is described with reference to a personal series of 250 subjects admitted to the Bologna University obstetric and gynaecological pathology department for small pelvis surgery. The method of investigation is described and the results obtained are reviewed. It is felt that the investigation is of value in preoperative screening insofar as it eliminates or reduces the risk of allergic shock, and enables more precisely directed antibiotic management to be employed.