I thought the initial blood test was to determine if I was allergic to your basic penicillin, but on further reading, no. It seems the initial blood test determines if you are at risk of anaphylaxis when you get the skin test.
I passed the first test, so my next visit is the skin test. I am to purchase three tablets of penicillin and its derivatives, and then I suppose they grind that up and poke it under my skin.
But what I don't understand is: that when I've had drug allergies in the past I never react on the first dose. (Dose 1 of sulfa, fine. Took dose 2 right before giving a speech. Asked if there were any questions at the end and every hand shot up. “Do you know your face just doubled in size?” )
So, it takes two doses: one to make the antibodies and one to use the antibodies. Everyone’s like this, right? So do I get two skin tests?
Well, at the moment it is moot because the pharmacists aren’t on duty at the local Walgreens, so, I can’t get the requisite tablets.
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