Iron dextran is an agent widely known to cause anaphylactic reactions with a frequency that necessitates that a test dose be given prior to infusion in order to confirm that an anaphylactic reaction will not occur. Furthermore, anaphylactic reactions to this substance may occur on subsequent infusions even following successful initial infusion as a result of acquired sensitivity to the agent. For these reasons, under no circumstances should a patient undergoing infusion with this agent be left without medical observation and, further, resuscitative necessities (e.g., a “crash cart”) must be present.
Iron dextran infusion medical expert witness specialties include hematology, nursing, anesthesiology, and allergy.