Name of the Procedure:

Rabies Immune Globulin (RIg), Human

• Common names: RIg, Rabies Immune Globulin
• Technical term: Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG)

Summary

Rabies Immune Globulin (RIg) is a medication given to individuals who have potentially been exposed to the rabies virus. It provides immediate, short-term protection by supplying antibodies against the virus until the body can produce its own response through vaccination. RIg can be administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Rabies exposure (potential infection from bites or scratches from a rabid animal)
• Goals: To prevent rabies infection by providing immediate antibodies, giving the body time to generate its own immune response through concurrent rabies vaccination.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Suspected or confirmed exposure to rabies, such as animal bites, scratches, or saliva contact.
• Patient Criteria: Any person exposed to potentially rabid animals, especially if they have not been previously vaccinated against rabies.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Inform the healthcare provider of any allergies or underlying conditions. No fasting required.
• Pre-assessments: Physical examination and assessment of the exposure incident. Rabies vaccine may be started concurrently.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment: The healthcare provider will review the patient's exposure and prepare the RIg.
2. Injection Site Preparation: The affected wound and the injection site will be cleaned.
3. Administration: RIg is injected into and around the wound, and any remaining dose given intramuscularly or subcutaneously at a site distant from the rabies vaccine.
4. Documentation: The administered dose and site are recorded for medical records.

• Tools/Equipment: Syringe, needle, antiseptic solution.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required.

Duration

The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a healthcare setting such as a hospital emergency room, outpatient clinic, or doctor’s office.

Personnel

• Healthcare providers: Doctors, nurses, or other medically trained personnel.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Pain at injection site, redness, swelling.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reactions, fever.
• Management: Monitoring for allergic reactions post-injection, supportive care for any local site reactions.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Immediate immune protection against rabies.
• Timeframe: Protective effects begin immediately and provide coverage until the rabies vaccine takes effect.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Monitor for signs of allergic reactions or infection at the injection site.
• Recovery Time: Minimal downtime, normal activities can usually be resumed shortly after.
• Follow-up: Completion of the rabies vaccine series as prescribed.

Alternatives

• Treatment Options: No effective alternative to RIg for immediate passive immunity. Rabies vaccine alone is an option but less effective without RIg for immediate protection.
• Pros/Cons: RIg provides immediate protection while the vaccine alone may take longer to confer full immunity.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Some discomfort or pain from the injection; the healthcare provider will address any anxieties.
• After Procedure: Possible soreness at the injection site, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow-up for completion of the vaccine series.

By following these instructions and completing the prescribed treatment, the risk of developing rabies can be effectively minimized.