Anaphylaxis Assessment – NICE Guidance on a Page

Diagnosis

Document the acute clinical features of the suspected anaphylactic reaction
Record the time of onset of the reaction
Record the circumstances immediately before the onset of symptoms to help to identify the trigger

Mast Cell tryptase
- Adults: timed blood sample after a suspected anaphylaxis in adults or young people > 16, first sample immediately after treatment started, second 1-2 hrs following
- Children: if suspected to be venom-related, drug-related or idiopathic

After emergency treatment for suspected anaphylaxis, offer referral to a specialist allergy service
Blood sample may be required at follow-up to measure baseline mast cell tryptase Management
Adults and young people > 16 who have had emergency treatment for suspected anaphylaxis should be observed for 6–12 hours from the onset of symptoms, depending on response to emergency treatment
Children younger than 16 years who have had emergency treatment for suspected anaphylaxis should be admitted to hospital
Discharge: information about anaphylaxis, including
Signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction
Risk of a biphasic reaction
What to do if an anaphylactic reaction occurs (adrenaline injector and call emergency services)
How to use injector
How to avoid suspected trigger