The use of Immunoglobulin (Ig) products, specifically Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg), continue to increase each year, at an average rate of 8-9%.
Recommendation three specifically stated the need:
“To better manage the demand and supply of immunoglobulins so that they are available for Ontarians who need them most and to avoid costs of wasted product, we recommend that the MOH, in consultation with Ontario Health: Collect more complete data from hospitals on how immunoglobulins are being used and identify emerging conditions that may warrant inclusion in provincial utilization guidelines……”.
Currently in Ontario, Ig requests are completed by the prescriber and sent to Transfusion Medicine Laboratories on paper requisitions (MOH IG Request Forms- Neurology and Non-Neurology). These paper forms do not leave the hospital transfusion laboratory in which they are submitted. Lack of provincial Ig utilization data makes it difficult to understand how Ig is being used.
➢To address this situation Canadian Blood Services is developing an IT system with financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Health to understand the use of Ig in Ontario, support Ig stewardship, and make informed decisions. Information as it becomes available will be posted in the categories below.