Beaumont Hospital
Beaumont Hospital

Departments


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Department of Clinical Immunology

Services

The Immunology Department provides Clinical and Laboratory Services. Additionally, we are keen toINABLogoJPEG assist with the development of guidelines for investigation of potential  immunological disorders, clinical audit and other educational activities. 

Clinical Services
The main Immunology out-patients clinic is held in Clinic A on Monday mornings. A smaller allergy clinic is held in Clinic F on Thursday afternoons. There are multiple additional physical and virtual clinics held in the department.  Referrals are accepted from hospital teams and GPs. Self referrals from patients cannot be accepted.

Appropriate referrals include:

  • Known or suspected immunodeficiency
  • Recurrent infections
  • Serious allergy (anaphylaxis) and other immediate hypersensitivity
  • Urticaria and Angioedema
  • Tertiary autoimmune disease referrals

Laboratory Service
The laboratory provides a large range of investigations for autoimmune and allergic disorders. The repertoire of investigations for possible immunodeficiency is being developed and expanded. Guidance is provided below in the Laboratory Resources on when it is appropriate to request a specific IgE for allergy.  Details of disease specific test profiles and test repertoire are provided in the Beaumont Hospital Laboratory Users Guide. Some immunology tests are carried out in the Protein Chemistry and Haematology laboratories. These are outlined in the Beaumont Hospital Laboratory Users Guide above.  The full scope of INAB accreditation in the laboratory is available here.
 

Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
The National Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service for Solid Organ Transplantation (NHISSOT) provides a nationwide transplant immunology service for solid organ transplantation, including HLA typing and crossmatching donors and recipients for solid organ transplants, HLA antibody screening for post transplant monitoring and HLA typing for disease association. The Histocompatibility and Immunogenets are accredited by EFI and services are not covered by the scope of INAB accreditation.  Contact details and further information on the services  are available here 

 


Clinical Resources

House Dust Mite Allergies - Patient Information
This provides information on the symptoms of house dust mite allergy and steps to reduce exposure

Food symptom diary with instructions 
In diagnosing possible food associated allergic reactions, sometimes the triggers are not clear from clinical history. A food symptom diary can be very helpful in further investigations. The instructions sheet gives tips on how and when to complete the symptom diary.

Additional food symptom diary sheets 
Additional food symptom diary sheets (without the instructions).

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria & Angioedema
This guide is intended to provide advice on the recognition and non-specialist management of chronic spontaneous urticaria and angioedema.

Chronic Urticaria Patient Information Leaflet
This leaflet is to aid patient education on the non-allergic condition called Chronic Urticaria

Initial Treatment plan for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria & Angioedema
This provides a stepwise approach to the initial management of chronic spontaneous urticaria and angioedema, which can usually be managed in the community. 

Evaluation of Suspected Antimicrobial Allergy - Beaumont Hospital Guideline
This provides guidance on assessment of suspected Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions (DHRs) and will facilitate completion of an antibiotic allergy referral proforma below.  

Antibiotic Allergy Referral Proforma
To ensure inclusion of the information we require to perform an antibiotic allergy assessment please complete this Proforma. This will reduce the amount of extra correspondence required and provide an expedited pathway for assessment. Once we have received the minimum required data, we will determine whether your patient is suitable for an outpatient appointment or to proceed directly to the allergy day ward. The guideline above will facilitate accurate completion of this proforma.

Peri-operative Anaphylaxis Referral Proforma
This Proforma must be completed in full by the referring Anesthetist along with all the supporting documents below :  

  • Anaesthetic notes (including induction and vital signs)
  • Drug Cardex: pre-operative
  • Drug Cardex: post-operative (including drugs given in ITU & any drug infusions)
  • Notes from assessment of acute reaction
  • Surgical notes & Intra-operative procedure notes
  • Discharge summary (from ITU/HDU and from ward)

Please note we can only accept referrals accompanied by complete documentation. If the required documentation is not received, your referral will be returned. 


Links to Useful Websites

Irish Food Allergy Network
Allergy UK 
Anaphylaxis Campaign UK

The websites below include videos and information and on when and how to use prescribed adrenaline auto injectors.
www.anapen.com
www.jext.com
www.emerade.com
www.epipen.com


Laboratory Resources

Beaumont Hospital Laboratory Users Guide
The Immunology laboratory provides a large range of investigations for autoimmune and allergic disorders. The Guide to Use of Laboratory Services by External Users provides details on the services provided and the current test repertoire.

Laboratory Testing for Antinuclear Antibodies
This guideline has been issued as part of the National Laboratory Handbook 

Requesting Specific IgE for Allergy Testing
This document provides GPs with a guide to requesting Specific IgE for Allergy Testing

Laboratory Testing for Total IgE and Specific IgE
This guideline has been issued as part of the National Laboratory Handbook 

Requesting Specific IgE Test 
Complete this request form to request Specific IgE Test


Hours

Laboratory hours are from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. The laboratory is closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. A reduced service is offered between Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Out of Hours

There are no arrangements in place as yet to provide an out-of-hours service. On the rare occasions when there is a genuine clinical urgency in performing an assay, every effort is made to perform the relevant test, however such a service cannot be guaranteed.


Contacts

Administration Queries Including Appointments & Clinical Queries
  • Phone: (01) 809 3026

  • Email: immunologydepartment@beaumont.ie

Laboratory
Prof Mary Keogan, Consultant Immunologist
Dr Khairin Khalib, Consultant Immunoligist
Ms Anne Clooney, Chief Medical Scientist
Postal Address

Immunology Department
Beaumont Hospital
PO Box 1297
Beaumont Road
Dublin 9

This guide is intended to provide advice on the recognition and non-specialist management of chronic spontaneous urticarial and angioedema