A nurse treats a patient in the Emergency DepartmentA nurse treats a patient in the Emergency DepartmentA nurse treats a patient in the Emergency Department

Clinics & services

Drug & antibiotic allergies

Drug & antibiotic allergies

We test people who have been told that they have an antibiotic or other drug allergy, to see if this is correct.

About us

Between 10 and 20% of people have been told that they are allergic to antibiotics. However, less than 1% have an antibiotic allergy when tested.

The aim of the Drug & Antibiotic Allergy Service is to ensure that people with an antibiotic (or other drug) allergy are identified correctly.

This ensures that you will be able to use the safest and most appropriate medication for your condition.

We work closely with the Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research (CAAR). CAAR is based at Austin Health and performs research to better understand the reasons why patients have such severe reactions and to develop better ways of diagnosing antibiotic allergies.

Our services

We provide the following services:

  • Antibiotic allergy testing for hospital patients
  • Allergy testing for people having surgery who have had a severe reaction to an anaesthetic drug in the past

Our tests include:

  • Skin prick and intradermal tests
  • Patch tests
  • Oral challenge tests
  • Desensitisation

Our clinics

We run the following clinics:

  • Infectious Diseases Antibiotic Allergy Clinic
  • Perioperative Antibiotic Allergy Clinic 

Referrals

For patients

You need a referral from your GP, specialist or health care provider to access this service.

For health professionals

Complete the referral form below and send it to us by:

For further advice please contact our clinical nurse specialist or clinicians on 03 9496 6676.

Referrals are welcomed from other health services for patients with frequent antibiotic or perioperative needs hindered by a drug allergy label. 

Links and downloads

Contact us

Drug and Antibiotic Allergy Service

Phone: 03 9496 6676

Fax: 03 9496 6677

Email: antibiotic.allergy@austin.org.au

Location

Ambulatory Care Centre
Level 3 Austin Tower
Austin Hospital
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg VIC

View location map

Postal address

Drug and Antibiotic Allergy Service
Infectious Diseases Department
Austin Health
PO Box 5555
Heidelberg Victoria 3084