Is a skin test required for cephalosporins?

There is currently no consensus on whether skin testing is necessary before administering cephalosporin antibiotics; however, the decision generally depends on the route of administration and the patient's specific circumstances. 1. **Injectable administration**: For injectable cephalosporins, skin testing is usually required because the drug enters the bloodstream directly and may easily cause allergic reactions. Even if a patient has previously used cephalosporins without experiencing allergic reactions, skin testing is still required before re-administration. Additionally, if intravenous infusion of cephalosporin antibiotics is delayed beyond 24 hours, skin testing must be repeated before resuming treatment. 2. **Oral administration**: Skin testing is generally not required for oral cephalosporin antibiotics in most cases, as the drug is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and allergic reactions are relatively rare. However, patients should still monitor themselves for symptoms such as chest tightness or rash, and seek immediate medical attention if any occur. 3. **Special situations**: Patients with allergic constitutions or those allergic to penicillin should use cephalosporins with particular caution and skin testing is recommended under the guidance of a physician.