Useful information about working in Immunology
Who and when to call
On-call Immunology Registrar (via switchboard at Auckland City Hospital)
Known immunology patient presenting with immunological condition requiring input (e.g. C1 inhibitor deficient patient with angioedema, common variable immune deficiency patient with pneumonia).
Drug allergy where the allergy is interfering with current treatment.
Suspected immunodeficiency (in-patient).
Urticaria/angioedema that is difficult to control, prolonged (>6 weeks), or has atypical features (e.g. bruising).
Other acutely unwell patients where immunology input may be helpful, e.g. autoinflammatory syndromes, hypereosinophilia, IgG4 disease.
When to refer as outpatient
Anaphylaxis – ideally all, but particularly first episode, unknown trigger, recurrent anaphylaxis, anaphylaxis where immunotherapy is available (e.g. venom desensitization).
Drug allergy not affecting inpatient treatment that requires further assessment (e.g. patient with history of penicillin allergy who is to start chemotherapy or on waiting list for organ or bone marrow transplant).
Suspected immunodeficiency (outpatient).