Abstract

This handbook is a product of a pan-European taskforce on specific inhalation challenge (SIC) testing in the diagnosis of occupational asthma. It was compiled from information provided by twelve specialist clinical centres under the direction of Katri Suuronen. Our purpose was to provide to others information on the techniques used in each centre for SIC with different occupational agents. The tables below include information on the form and nature of the active and control agents and on methods, quantities and duration of delivery; where appropriate ’comments’ and references are provided.
The information here is not intended as a set of full ’recipes’ but as a guide; the handbook should be read in concert with the full taskforce report (reference). Readers are reminded that the general safety requirements, contra-indications and precautions described in the full report should be strictly applied in order to minimise the risk of severe adverse events; that the duration and/or concentration of exposure to occupational agents should only be gradually increased under close monitoring of functional parameters; that the starting doses listed here are a guide only and should be adjusted in light of a particular patient’s circumstances; and that a control challenge test with a 6-8 hour period of spirometric monitoring on a separate day is required for the interpretation of the SIC results. Further information can be obtained from any of the centres listed and contact details are provided (page 3).

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