Barrier Protection and Latex Allergy Associated with Surgical Gloves

Abstract

Latex continues to be the material of choice for surgical gloves because it is resealable and flexible, and it maintains the wearer's tactile sensitivity. The use of latex gloves for barrier protection may need to be reevaluated in light of the increasing number of individuals who are sensitive to latex. Hospital personnel can use low-allergen gloves or nonlatex gloves when caring for patients with known sensitivity to latex; however, only nonlatex gloves may be effectives at reducing or preventing anaphylactic reaction. Health care facilities must develop policies and procedures for dealing with latex-sensitive patients and health care workers.

Latex allergy: an emerging clinical and occupational health problem

“…There have been few studies of the prevalence of latex allergy in the general population, although it is believed to be very low. In one report a figure of 0.37% was given [20]. A study of 1000 blood donors demonstrated antibodies to latex in 2.4% [23].…”

“…A study of 1000 blood donors demonstrated antibodies to latex in 2.4% [23]. Latex sensitivity has been reported in 0.125% of patients before surgery [20].…”

“…Lagier et al [14] reported a prevalence of urticaria of 10.1% in a study of 268 operating-room nurses. Health-care workers appear to have a 5-17% risk of latex allergy in various studies [17][18][19][20], depending on the nature and degree of exposure. Workers in clinical units and laboratories have a lower risk (2.8%) than operating-room personnel (7.4%) [17].…”

Preoperative Skin Testing of Materials Used in Surgical Procedures

“…Corresponding figures for health care workers are between 7% and 10%, and 6.9% of perioperative nurses suffer from NRL allergy 12 . In patients who have undergone several surgeries (eg, children with spina bifida), the percentage afflicted has been reported as 18% to 68% 13 . Exposure to latex creates the risk of complications in these patients.…”

The implications of latex allergy in healthcare settings

“…It is widely agreed that increased latex glove use is one of the main reasons for increased latex allergy (e.g. Korniewicz & Kelly, 1995;Fay, 1996;Barton, 1993;Beckwith et al, 1994;Romanczuk, 1993), latex gloves being the most frequently used latex product (Reis, 1994), combined with the poor quality of some gloves manufactured when the demand for latex gloves greatly increased (Jackson, 1995;Barton, 1993). Gloves are not only used in the healthcare setting; many are used in food preparation and handling, and also to protect the wearer from harmful chemicals and substances in a variety of other settings.…”