Prevalence of beta-lactam allergy: a retrospective chart review of drug allergy assessment in a predominantly pediatric population.

Background: Research suggests that 90% of patients labeled beta-lactam allergic are able to tolerate penicillins following further assessment. This study aims to define and describe the frequency of true beta-lactam allergy following allergy patient evaluation in a predominantly pediatric population.

Methods: 306 primary care patients referred between January 2010 and June 2015 were assessed for a suspected beta-lactam allergy.