Prevalence of positive prick test to neuromuscular blocking drugs in the surgical population

Recent years have seen a progressive increase in anaphylactic reactions to anaesthetic agents, the neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBs) being responsible for between 70 and 80% of cases [1, 2]. Given the frequency of allergic reactions to NMBs, it has been proposed to carry out systematic preoperatory screening for these drugs to detect sensitive subjects and prevent allergic reactions. However, current guidelines indicate that allergy tests on anaesthetizing are indicated only among those patients who have a history of an adverse reaction; this is the case, in fact, with other drugs [2]. Furthermore, no information is available regarding the prevalence of prick tests among the surgical population.