title: β-lactam allergy: clinical implications and costs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  β-lactam allergy is the most commonly reported medication allergy and it remains a key issue in antibiotic prescribing. A detailed and accurate history taking play a key role in preventing potentially serious clinical incidents and it may contribute in reducing costs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected for patients with a documented penicillin allergy on their drug chart during a six month period. Sources included the inpatient drug charts and medical notes. Adherence to hospital guidelines was audited and costs of treatments were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  94 patients with a history of penicillin allergy were included. Compliance with the hospital antibiotic policy was 81% and 52% of cases had a description of the reaction documented. The mean additional cost per patient was £89.29 (excluding VAT).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important to maintain a high level of vigilance and constantly educate all healthcare professionals involved in prescribing and dispensing antibiotics in order to avoid the unnecessary use of non-penicillin-based antibiotics and associated cost implication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. giovanni.satta@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Satta
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lanzman
authors.forename: Indran
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Balakrishnan