Detecting patient allergy: beware the LIE.
BACKGROUND
Allergy detection is important in surgical patients. Historically, the focus has been on drug allergies. There is increasing focus on non-drug allergy, specifically latex, iodine and elastoplast.


METHODS
The practice and knowledge of 24 pre-registration house officers was evaluated, with regard to patient allergy. For the second phase of the study, the cohort of 367 consecutive patients presenting to the orthopaedic pre-assessment clinic was prospectively assessed.


RESULTS
This prospective study demonstrates that standard history-taking misses a large number (38%) of such allergies.


CONCLUSIONS
With regard to allergy detection, we are living a LIE (by ignoring latex, iodine, elastoplast allergy). We suggest junior doctors should employ the mnemonic LIED (latex, iodine, elastoplast and drugs) when taking a medical history.
Bismil
Quamar
Q
South-West Thames Region, London, UK.
Bowles
Christopher
C
Edwards
Mark
M
Arastu
Mateen
M
Ricketts
David M
DM
Solan
Matthew C
MC
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D030881:Disclosure; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007455:Iodine / Q000009:adverse effects; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D007455:Iodine