Abstract
Background
A UK wide survey in 2005 showed wide variation in BCG practice and that the providers were uncertain in various aspects of the administration. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines in 2006, which along with Department of Health guidance aimed to standardise practice. We intended to assess regional BCG service 6 years later.
Method
4 TB centres providing BCG vaccination across Mersey region were contacted and data regarding current practice of BCG administration was collected.
Results
The adherence to the guidelines was recorded as compliance. See table.
* The other sites used were right upper arm or upper thigh. Reasons included patient preference or confusing scar.
There were no recorded episodes of anaphylaxis in the past 12 months. All centres referred patients with severe adverse local reactions appropriately.
Conclusions
Our survey demonstrates that NICE recommendations and their implementation were essential in elucidating areas of uncertainty in the administration of BCG vaccination and subsequently the practice is now uniform across the Mersey region. We intend to extend this survey to national level.
- © 2012 ERS