Injectable immunotherapy: recommendations for safe allergen vial preparation in the office setting.
OBJECTIVE
To review the proper technique for preparing allergen vials to be used in subcutaneous immunotherapy in the office setting, examine the potential for bacterial contamination during mixing and handling and associated risk factors and review the data relevant to contamination during vial mixing.


RESULTS
Existing literature on the subject of safe vial preparation suggests that the incidence of bacterial contamination of allergen vials is very low. Historically, there is no report of bacterial infection for subcutaneous immunotherapy using vials prepared in the office setting or otherwise when using the proper sterile technique.


CONCLUSIONS
In-office compounding of vials is a safe practice with literature to support continuing this practice of preparation.
Lay
P Chase
PC
Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, PO Box 19662, Springfield, IL 62794-9662, USA. play@siumed.edu
D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000592:standards*; D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D010824:Physicians' Offices; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013242:Sterilization / Q000592:standards
D000485:Allergens