Teicoplanin Allergy Testing Using Autologous Serum (TATAS)
This study, called TATAS, is looking into better ways to test for allergies to a drug named Teicoplanin. Teicoplanin is sometimes given during surgery, and current allergy tests for it aren't always accurate. This means some people with a serious allergy might not be identified, putting them at risk if they receive the drug again. We suspect that Teicoplanin needs to mix with blood proteins to trigger an allergy, unlike many other drugs. We plan to mix Teicoplanin with a patient's own blood and then use this mixture for allergy skin tests. This method is already used for other medical conditions, and we hope it will give us more reliable results for Teicoplanin allergies. Our goal is to make sure patients are safely tested and serious allergies are never missed.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've had a serious allergic reaction, like anaphylaxis, during an operation. Doctors need to find out what caused it to keep you safe in the future. Sometimes, a drug called Teicoplanin, which can be given during anaesthesia, is suspected. The problem is, current allergy tests for Teicoplanin aren't as good as they are for other drugs, meaning they might not always show if you're truly allergic. This is risky because if an allergy is missed, you could be given Teicoplanin again and have another serious reaction, which can be life-threatening.
We don't fully understand why tests for Teicoplanin allergy are often unreliable. However, we do know that some drugs need to combine with proteins in your blood before they can trigger an allergic reaction. We think Teicoplanin might be one of these drugs. In this study, we want to try a new approach for allergy testing. Instead of just testing with the drug on its own, we will first mix Teicoplanin with a small amount of your own blood, and then use that mixture for the skin test. This is a bit like how the drug might react inside your body.
Our main goal is to find a more accurate and dependable way to test for Teicoplanin allergy. By doing this, we hope to ensure that if you have a serious allergy to Teicoplanin, it will be clearly identified. This would mean doctors have clearer information to keep you safe from future allergic reactions. This study aims to improve patient safety by developing better allergy testing methods.
Key takeaways
- Improving Teicoplanin allergy testing is crucial for patient safety.
- Current tests for Teicoplanin allergy are not always accurate.
- The study uses a new method involving your own blood (autologous serum) to make tests more reliable.
- You might be eligible if you've had a suspected serious allergic reaction during surgery and Teicoplanin was used.
- Participation involves extra skin tests during a clinic visit, no new medicines.
- The goal is to prevent future allergic reactions by better identifying drug allergies.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over. You would be considered if you have recently had what doctors suspect was a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) while under general anaesthetic, and Teicoplanin was one of the drugs you were given at the time.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. For example, if you are pregnant, or if you are taking certain medications that could affect skin allergy tests, such as antihistamines. Also, if you have certain blood infections like Hepatitis B, C, or HIV, or if initial blood tests show another condition that needs investigating, you wouldn't be eligible. This is to make sure the study is safe for everyone involved and that the results are clear and accurate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you recently had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) during an operation?
- Was Teicoplanin one of the drugs you received during that operation?
- Are you able to stop antihistamines or certain other medications for a short time before the test?
- Are you not currently pregnant?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be asked to come for a visit at the clinic. During this visit, in addition to the standard allergy tests you would normally have, we will perform some extra skin tests. These extra tests will involve mixing a small amount of Teicoplanin with a tiny sample of your own blood (taken like a normal blood test) and then using this mixture for the skin prick test. The total duration of these tests might be a bit longer than a standard allergy clinic appointment. There are no medications to take as part of this study, and no long-term follow-up beyond the initial testing session.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospital SouthamptonVerified postcodeSouthampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Teicoplanin?
Teicoplanin is a medicine that can be given during surgery, usually as an antibiotic to fight infections.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a very serious, fast-acting allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical attention.
What does 'autologous serum' mean?
It simply means using a small part of your own blood (serum) for the test, rather than blood from someone else or just the drug on its own.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, you won't need to take any new medications as part of this study. It only involves additional skin allergy tests.
How long will the study visit take?
The study visit will take a bit longer than a usual allergy appointment because of the extra tests, but it will all be done in one session.
How to find out more
Linda Nel, MB BCh FRCA
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.