Be Specific When Recording an Allergy to Iodine

Many people say they’re allergic to iodine...but a true allergy to iodine is a misnomer.

Iodine molecules are too small to trigger an antibody-mediated allergic reaction. Any reaction is usually due to something else.

Plus an “iodine allergy” may cause clinicians to unnecessarily avoid IV contrast agents prior to a CT scan...or iodine-containing meds (amiodarone, povidone-iodine, multivitamins, etc).