Protocol recommendations for administration of intravenous immunoglobulin in Canada.

A group of Canadian nurses and transfusion safety officers developed 10 recommendations for the infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in acute care hospitals and clinics. The recommendations address issues related to documentation, patient consent, difference among IVIG brands, selection of a brand on the basis of patients' risk factors, contraindications, needs, action plans for adverse events, rapid infusion protocols, and setup of infusion pumps, tubing, and filter equipment. The Canadian group encouraged institutions to include nurses on committees that examine infusion protocols.