Enhancing Healthcare Through Early drug allergy Detection: A Systematic Review

Drug allergies are a significant cause of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), affecting patient safety and healthcare outcomes. Early detection of drug allergies is crucial for preventing these reactions and improving clinical care. This systematic review explores the current methods of early drug allergy detection, including patient history, skin testing, in vitro tests, and emerging genomic approaches. Findings indicate that accurate early identification of drug allergies, particularly with the use of skin testing and electronic health records (EHR)-based alerts, reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions and unnecessary drug avoidance. In vitro testing, including drug-specific IgE and basophil activation tests, provides non-invasive alternatives, while pharmacogenomic data show promise for predicting hypersensitivity in the future. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating detection methods into healthcare systems to enhance medication safety, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. However, challenges remain, such as mislabeling allergies, limited access to testing in some settings, and the need for standardized protocols. Further research is recommended to develop more accessible testing methods and explore the long-term impact of early drug allergy detection on healthcare systems.