Health surveillance of workers exposed to laboratory animal allergens; evidence-based review

Despite its title the recommendations lack evidence as none was found. Baseline questionnaire, face-to-face assessment, and spirometry are recommended. Specific IgE to domestic and laboratory animals MAY be used. Surveillance questionnaires should be used at increased frequency in the first few years, frequency being determined by risk assessment. Surveillance failures should have  multidiciplinary investigation.

Firmer evidence comes from

risk factors (exposure level, atopy and prior sensitisation to dogs and cats)

Clinical outcomes

Nose and eye symptoms moore common than asthma, IgE to laboratory animal antigens may be negative in symptomatic workers, agents other than lab animals may be the cause

References

	Nicholson PJ, Mayho GV, Roomes D, Swann AB, Blackburn BS, Health surveillance of workers exposed to laboratory animal allergens, Occup Med, 2010;60:591-597,

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