Potency assay of liquid preparation of enzyme refined monospecific Russell's viper antivenoms

ABSTRACT

Enzyme immunoassay technique (EIA) was used to assess the performance of liquid preparation of enzyme refined monospecific Russell's viper antivenoms manufactured by Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory, stored at +4 C and room temperature at two township hospitals. The antivenoms stored at +4 C with a shelf life of less than 1/2 year, time expired precipitated antivenoms and batches of antivenom stored at room temperature with a shelf life of one year have lost venom neutralising activity and also venom antigen was detected in the urine. The poor performance of liquid antivenom probably results from batch to batch variation and incorrect storage of antivenom.