Immunology SAC

'Standing on the shoulders of giants you can see further…’ The advances in clinical immunology have been a collaborative effort with clinicians and scientists building on the work of others to bring about innovation. Here, Dr Kumararatne provides a personal account of some of these advances.

Anaesthetic-related allergy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur before, during or after an operation. The Anaesthetic Allergy Working Party was set up to improve patient care in this area and Dr Tomaz Garcez explains the need for standardised care and the role of immunologists and stakeholders such as RCPath.

Immunologists are doctors and scientists who deal with the study, diagnosis and management of patients with disordered immune systems that are a result of acquired and inherited conditions or some blood cancers. They also advise on conditions in which immunological treatment forms an important part of therapy and/or prevention. Some immunologists specialise in treating allergies. Here, Dr Tomaz Garcez discusses fatal anaphylaxis and the role of the UK Fatal Anaphylaxis Registry.