THE USE OF EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS FOR ACUTE ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION IN ANANIMAL CARE FACILITY

Authors: SMITH D E - TUFTS-HNRCA; RIZZONE G - TUFTS UNIVERSITY; BLUMBERG J B - TUFTS-HNRCA

Submitted to: Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/18/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Although moderate to severe allergy symptoms are found in up to 40% of the individuals working with animals in research facilities, almost one half of American research institutions permit their employees to continue to work with animals following a diagnosis of animal allergy. While many institutions have developed procedures to reduce employee contact with allergens or the substances that cause these allergies (for example, reducing the levels of allergens that employees come into contact with and employee education), few have addressed the possibility of the life-threatening type of allergic reaction known as acute anaphylactoid reaction. Such reactions, although rare, may occur in individuals susceptible to allergic reactions when they have contact with a laboratory animal. Immediate symptoms may be temporarily relieved by a single injection of a drug known as epinephrine. Eight "Emergency Use Only" stations containing single-use, self-injecting needles and syringes of epinephrine have been installed within this animal care facility. The presence of such stations is intended for the emergency self-injection of epinephrine by employees with a life-threatening allergic reaction for the short period prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel.

Technical Abstract: Although the prevalence of moderate to severe allergic symptoms in animal facility personnel has been estimated to be as high as 40%, almost one half of American research institutions permit their employees to continue to work with animals following a diagnosis of animal allergy. While many institutions have implemented procedures to reduce employee allergen exposure and risk (eg. reduction in levels of environmental allergens, reduced direct contact with animal allergens, pre-exposure prophylaxis and employee education), few have addressed the possibility of acute anaphylactoid reaction. Such reactions, although rare, may occur in sensitized individuals after contact with laboratory animal allergens and may present a life-threatening emergency. Acute symptoms may be temporarily relieved by a single intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of epinephrine. Eight "Emergency Use Only" stations containing a single-use epinephrine auto-injector have been installed within this animal care facility. The presence of such stations is intended only for immediate self-administration by an acutely symptomatic employee in the interim period prior to arrival of emergency response medical personnel.