immunoglobulin solutions (blood transfusion)
Last reviewed 01/2018
immunoglobulin solutions
Prepared from large pools of donations and contains antibodies against infectious agents to which the donor population has been exposed. Preparations include:
- normal immunoglobulin
- contains antibodies to viruses that are common in the population.
- intramuscular normal immunoglobulin may be used to protect susceptible contacts against hepatitis A, measles or rubella
- high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin is used as replacement therapy
in patients with severe immunoglobulin deficiency and in the treatment
of autoimmune diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- specific immunoglobulins
- made from selected donors with high antibody levels to the target of treatment.
- e.g. - tetanus, hepatitis B and rabies immunoglobulins as well as anti-D immunoglobulin for the prevention of maternal sensitisation to RhD in pregnancy