Pediatric Antibiotic Allergy Testing Service (PATS) at Cincinnati Children’s: Supporting Best Outcomes at Every Stage
Formerly known as the Penicillin Allergy Testing Service (PATS), PATS has a new name to reflect the expansion of antibiotic allergy testing as we continue to meet the challenges of antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric patients. The antibiotic allergy testing typically involves a safe, one-time, in-clinic oral challenge for most oral antibiotics. We offer appointments five-days-a week at Main Campus, Liberty, multiple neighborhood locations on select days (Green, Fairfield, Kentucky, Anderson, Mason), and have just launched appointments in the Mobile Care Unit currently serving West Clermont. Our Liberty and Main campus allow testing for most common oral antibiotics and skin testing for most parenteral antibiotics (i.e. cefazolin, ceftriaxone, and synthetic penicillins). All sites offer oral challenges to amoxicillin, Augmentin, and Keflex. For patients with a confirmed infection who need treatment with an antibiotic they are currently allergic to, we also offer same-day/next-day “sick visit” challenge appointments. Please indicate “Acute Care Allergy Service” or “ACAS” on your referral. Patient/caregivers can also call PATS directly at 513-517-PATS (7287)
Why test?
Our results continue to confirm the safety of re-exposing children who have had a possible reaction while taking a beta lactam antibiotic. Since its inception in January 2020, PATS has completed 4000 amoxicillin and 200 oral cephalosporin challenges, with only 122 allergic challenges (3%) and zero incidents of anaphylaxis. De-labeling unnecessary antibiotic allergies for the other 97% will lead to:
better health outcomes for our pediatric patients
less bacterial resistance in the community
dollars saved for families and healthcare organizations
Acute Care Allergy Service (ACAS)
Antibiotic-associated reactions may start with a mild rash but can evolve into a constellation of symptoms lasting many days that is understandably worrisome to caregivers and providers. As patient’s symptoms can progress to swelling, joint pain/swelling, and dusky rashes, many families return to the ED a second, sometimes third, time. PATS offers opportunities for same-day or next-day visits (typically by Telemedicine) Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm for initial evaluations and on-going management of antibiotic-associated reaction symptoms as an alternative to costly and time intensive ED/UC visits. We also offer support to the family until the symptoms resolve.
Introducing PADME!
Penicillin Allergy Decision & Mobile Empowerment (PADME) is a patient-led, mobile-enabled novel penicillin allergy application now available for pediatric patients. Developed by Drs. Andrew Winslow at CCHMC & Millie Kwan at UNC-Chapel Hill, PADME asks users to answer several questions regarding a child’s penicillin reaction, then applies a clinical decision support tool to generate one of four risk-stratification certificates. Together with additional educational resources embedded within the application, the PADME risk certificates are designed to provide specific guidance to empower patients and caregivers to obtain tailored and streamlined penicillin allergy care. The PADME care model prioritizes providing care to all patients, including those who are located far away from penicillin allergy delabeling programs, and is an exciting element of our own PATS program. To access PADME, please visit www.padmeallergy.org. The PATS clinical team can be reached directly at 513-517-7287 (PATS) or by emailing us at PATS@cchmc.org.
To learn more, visit: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/PATS
How to Refer
We have a streamlined consultation service: Do not refer to Allergy- instead request PATS consultation specifically.