Recent study debunks the iodine allergy myth—again

Abstract

Every year, an estimated 75 million people worldwide require procedures that involve the use of contrast media. Prior to these procedures, the overwhelming majority of physicians—66% to 89%—ask patients about seafood or shellfish allergies based on their perception that iodine triggers those allergies and therefore these patients may not tolerate contrast media. Despite little or no evidence to support the existence of iodine allergies or a link between seafood allergy and iodine-containing products, anywhere from 20% to 75% of physicians say they would halt orders for the radiologic procedures or order premedication of patients due to perceived iodine allergy, according to a recent study published in American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy (AJHP).