antitetanus immunoglobulin
Last reviewed 01/2018
Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) gives passive immunity to tetanus infection.
- helps to remove unbound tetanus toxins (1)
- is indicated to provide immediate protection in
- individuals with tetanus prone wounds who are not fully vaccinated (or up to date for their age) against tetanus.
- vaccinated individuals who have a ‘high-risk’ tetanus prone wound e.g. a wound which is also heavily contaminated with manure/soil or an abscess in an injection site (2)
Since most of the tetanus prone wounds in vaccinated individuals do not require immunoglobulin, TIG should be restricted to patients in whom it is truly indicated so that supplies can be conserved for those at greatest risk (2).
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