The overall incidence of perioperative anaphylaxis was estimated to be 1 in 10 000 anaesthetics.

Management of perioperative anaphylaxis could be improved, especially with respect to administration of epinephrine, cardiac compressions, and i.v. fluid. Sequelae were common.

The methods of NAP6 were robust in identifying causative agents of anaphylaxis, and support the accompanying analytical papers.

Senior clinicians deliver most UK anaesthesia care, including at weekends. Our findings are important for any planned workforce reorganisation to rationalise 7-day working.

This survey provides insights into allergen exposures in perioperative care, which is important as denominator data for the NAP6 registry.