ALLERGY BRIEFS

Verifying the correct allergy shot

September 24, 2003

I don't want anyone to ever walk away from our clinic saying, "I had a bad reaction from my shot. They must have given me someone else's serum."

We always draw the injection up in front of the patient. We also show them the vials and ask them to verify that the vials have their name on them. Not only does this confirm to the patient that we are giving them their extract. It can prevent us from inadvertently giving them the wrong patient's injection. No one is beyond mistakes, and this extra precaution makes us all feel better.

I do try to be as discreet as possible when I draw the injection up, especially if I'm preparing it for a child. The small needle on an allergy syringe can look huge to a fearful child. I never turn toward the patient with the syringe in my hand and stop to talk. If I do have to stop to answer questions, I try to position myself by the child's side, holding the syringe toward their back, out of their line of vision.

Once I've given the injection, I try to put my body between their line of vision and the syringe as I move it toward the sharps container.

One physician in our Allergy Professionals discussion list takes an opposite approach. He sends a syringe and vial of tap water home with parents so they can help their children practice giving shots to a rubber doll. By allowing the child to play with the syringe and needle, it helps alleviate some of the child's fears.

Physicians often approach these things differently. Ask your physician what the reason is for his reluctance to allow you to see the shot being drawn up. He may have a valid reason for his decision in this matter. Perhaps you and he together can work out a solution.

For example, your physician may be afraid that allowing your child to see the shot being drawn up will make your child more fearful. If this is the case, ask if you can bring a friend along to watch the child while you go into the shot room to see the shot drawn up.

You may want to ask your child's allergist what his recommendations are. It may be that he will want to talk with the doctor who provides the injections to see if a solution can be worked out.

Ultimately the decision will be left up to the physician who is overseeing the allergy injections in his clinic. If the decision is not something you feel comfortable with, perhaps you can find another physician in your area who will agree to administer the allergy injections and allow you to see them drawn up.

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