Evaluation of radioimmunologic tests for identification of patients at risk of allergic reactions to succinylcholine

In 41 women undergoing elective gynecologic surgery, three in vitro tests RAST for succinylcholine (SX), total IgE and Phadiatop, a screening test for inhalant allergens, were performed before induction of anesthesia. RAST for SX and total IgE were repeated in 4 peripheral blood samples drawn over the next 24 hours. Of the 27 patients with specific IgE for SX at one or more times during surgery, 11 were positive at 24 hours. RAST for SX, total IgE and Phadiatop did not prove to be specific for evaluation of their usefulness in identifying patients at risk of allergic reactions to SX.