According to current Indian national guidelines, what is the recommended method of administering polyvalent antisnake venom (ASV)?
- A Intramuscular injection into the deltoid after a skin test dose
- B Slow intravenous infusion after dilution, without a test dose ✓
- C Subcutaneous infiltration around the bite site
- D Intravenous bolus repeated every 30 minutes until recovery
Correct answer: B. Slow intravenous infusion after dilution, without a test dose
Explanation
ASV must be given intravenously, diluted and infused slowly, because intramuscular absorption is slow and unreliable and local infiltration is ineffective. Skin and conjunctival test doses are no longer recommended since they do not predict reactions and may sensitise the patient; adrenaline must simply be kept ready to treat anaphylaxis. Repeated short boluses are not the standard regimen described in the WHO South-East Asia guidelines.
Reference: WHO Guidelines for the Management of Snakebites in South-East Asia, 2nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.