Name of the Procedure:

Rabies Immune Globulin, Heat-Treated (RIg-HT), Human, for Intramuscular and/or Subcutaneous Use

Summary

Rabies Immune Globulin, Heat-Treated (RIg-HT), is an injection given to people who have been exposed to rabies. The injection provides immediate, short-term protection against the rabies virus until the rabies vaccine starts to work.

Purpose

Medical Condition:

• Exposure to rabies virus (e.g., through an animal bite).

Goals/Expected Outcomes:

• To provide immediate protection against rabies.
• To help prevent the onset of rabies infection.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Exposure to a potentially rabid animal.
• Bite or scratch from an animal suspected of having rabies.

Patient Criteria:

• Any person who has been exposed to the rabies virus and has not been previously vaccinated against rabies.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• No specific preparation is typically required for this injection.

Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:

• Wound cleaning and assessment of the exposure incident.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will clean the wound area thoroughly.
2. using sterile procedure and equipment, the RIg-HT is drawn into a syringe.

3. The injection is administered either intramuscularly (often in the thigh or buttock) or subcutaneously (under the skin), sometimes directly into the wound site.

   Tools and Equipment:

   • Syringe, needle, and the RIg-HT solution.

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Usually not required, though local anesthetic may be used in some cases.

Duration

The procedure itself typically takes about 10-20 minutes.

Setting

• Hospital emergency room or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Performed by a healthcare professional, usually a doctor or nurse.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Pain at the injection site.
• Minor swelling or redness at the injection site.

Rare Risks:

• Allergic reactions.
• Fever.
• Infection at the injection site.

Possible Complications:

• Hypersensitivity reactions, which can be managed with medications.

Benefits

Immediate protection against the rabies virus is provided, and this helps prevent the onset of rabies, a potentially fatal disease. Benefits are typically realized immediately after administration.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Keep the injection site clean and dry.
• Monitor for any signs of infection or allergic reaction.

Expected Recovery Time:

• Minimal; most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Restrictions/Follow-Up:

• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to receive the rabies vaccination series.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• There are no direct alternatives to Rabies Immune Globulin for immediate post-exposure prophylaxis; without RIg-HT, the rabies vaccine alone may not be as effective initially.

Pros and Cons:

• RIg-HT: Immediate protection, crucial for preventing rabies after exposure.
• Rabies Vaccine Alone: Slower onset of action, less effective immediately post-exposure without RIg-HT.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Some discomfort or pain during the injection.

After the Procedure:

• Mild soreness at the injection site.
• Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Comfort Measures:

• Applying a cold pack to the injection site can help reduce pain and swelling.