Clinical use of immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin (Ig) treatment improves the quality of life for some patients with immune system disorders and immune-mediated conditions. In some cases, it can even save lives.
Manufacturers make Ig products from donated plasma (the fluid part of human blood). This means Ig products are a limited and precious resource.
We carefully manage Australia's Ig products to ensure there is an adequate, secure and affordable supply for Australians who need them.
Learn more about how we manage immunoglobulin supply.
Access to immunoglobulin products
Like other blood products, Ig products are available at no direct cost to patients under the national blood arrangements. But to ensure treatments go to those most likely to benefit, we manage access to Ig products through a governance framework.
This includes strict eligibility rules and our 'Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia'.
View the clinical access criteria(Opens in a new tab/window).
Learn more about how we manage and update the criteria.
Find out more about our governance framework and National Immunoglobulin Governance Program.
Information and resources for health professionals
Ig products must be directed to patients who:
- are most likely to benefit from Ig therapy
- have no other safe and effective alternative treatments.
Health professionals must prescribe Ig based on clinical need, appropriate clinical practice and using the lowest effective dose for each patient.
Ig products are generally used across 4 clinical disciplines:
- haematology
- immunology
- neurology
- transplant medicine.
We have up-to-date information and resources to support health professionals involved in the prescription and use of Ig products.
BloodSTAR for authorisations
BloodSTAR is Australia's online system for managing requests and authorisations for government-funded Ig products.
A BloodSTAR authorisation is not a prescription for Ig products. It's a way to manage Ig access, but it isn't a medical record. You must follow all local legislation and processes to prescribe an Ig product.
Get in touch
For more information about the use of Ig in clinical practice in Australia, contact us.
Phone: 1300 025 663 (13 000 BLOOD)
Email: IgGovernance@blood.gov.au
Last updated: 27 Mar 2024