Incorrect allergy injections: allergists' experiences and recommendations for prevention

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Patient Safety
• Medical Error Analysis

Background:

• Allergen immunotherapy and skin testing carry risks, including fatalities.
• Reports indicate patients receiving incorrect allergy injections, leading to anaphylaxis and potential death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey allergists on their experiences with incorrect allergy injections.
• To identify prevention strategies for medication errors in allergy immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• An email survey was sent to 1717 allergists.
• The survey asked about incorrect injections (wrong patient or dose) in the past 5 years.

Main Results:

• 58% of respondents reported incorrect patient injections.
• 74% reported incorrect doses administered.
• Consequences ranged from local reactions to one fatality.

Conclusions:

• Allergy injection administration poses a significant safety risk.
• Prevention strategies include enhanced nurse training, patient-specific vials, standardized dosing, and triple-checking patient identity.