
Beta Lactam Allergy Assessment: Saving Lives One Assessment at a Time
Last updated
Share PrintBeta lactam (BL) allergies are among the most commonly reported drug allergies, with ~10% of patients reporting an allergy to one or more BL antibiotics. However, nearly 90% of these patients do not demonstrate a true allergy. By clearing or clarifying these allergies using the BL assessment and skin test clinic we can decrease the incidence of multi-drug resistant infections, decrease treatment failures, decrease hospital length of stay, and save money.
Origin:
November 2016, Memphis VA Medical Center
Adoptions:
3 successful, 2 in-progress
Awards and Recognition:
Tennessee Pharmacist Association Innovative Pharmacist of the Year , iNET Spread Investee, VHA Shark Tank Winner

Recent Updates
Overview
The problem
The solution
Links
- Take a look at how our facility implemented the Beta Lactam Allergy Assessment at the Memphis VAMC
The results
Metrics
- A in-house cost avoidance assessment was performed. We estimate ~$1200 saved by each successful assessment.
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Timeline
-
3-4 months
1 -2 months to implement template (includes CPS education and SOP approval)1-2 months to implement pharmacist lead skin test clinic (includes CPS training and addition to scope)
Departments
- Pharmacy
- Allergy, asthma and immunology
- Infectious disease
Core Resources
Resource type | Resource description |
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PEOPLE |
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PROCESSES |
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TOOLS |
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Files
- Brief description of practice, results, and resources needed to implement Beta Lactam Allergy Assessment Overview
- Overview of where the template can be found in the patient's chart, what the template looks like, and what it entails. Beta Lactam Allergy Assessment Template
- Patient considerations prior to penicillin skin testing clinic and risk stratification. Penicillin Skin Testing Allergy Clinic
Support Resources
Resource type | Resource description |
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PEOPLE |
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Files
- Provides background on the BLAA Promising Practice and instructions for how to implement this practice at your facility. Beta Lactam Allergy Assessments Implementation Toolkit
About
Origin story
Original team
Jessica Bennett, Pharm.D.
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Antimicrobial Stewardship
Amanda R. Gillion, Pharm.D., BCPS
Acute Care Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor
Whitney Elliott, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCGP
Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor
Jarred Bowden, Pharm.D., BCIDP, AAHIVP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Infectious Disease
Debendra N. Pattanaik, MD, MBBS, FACR, FAAAI
Allergy and Immunology Specialist
Anna B. Mitchell, Pharm.D., BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
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