Different latex aeroallergen size distributions between powdered surgical and examination gloves: Significance for environmental avoidance

Brown, Robert H.; Taenkhum, Kanika; Buckley, Timothy J.; Hamilton, Robert G.

doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2004.04.003

Cited by 23 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…In the 1990s, when allergic reactions became recognized as a problem, it was shown that the modified cornstarch could act as a vector for the allergenic proteins, which bound to the cornstarch and were thereby transferred from the NRL gloves to staff and patients [76,77]. Not only can the powder carry the proteins into wounds, but it can become airborne and act as a carrier for antigens from the gloves [78]; powdered gloves have been shown to increase airborne NRL antigens compared with non-powdered gloves [79]. …”

Section: Decreasing Incidence and Prevalence Of Type I Allergymentioning

confidence: 99%

Latex Medical Gloves: Time for a Reappraisal

Palosuo

Antoniadou

Gottrup

et al. 2011

Int Arch Allergy Immunol

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Many hospitals have implemented policies to restrict or ban the use of devices made of natural rubber latex (NRL) in healthcare as precautionary measures against the perceived risk of NRL allergy. Changes in glove technology, progress in measuring the specific allergenic potential of gloves and a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of NRL allergies after interventions and education prompted us to revisit the basis for justifiable glove selection policies. The published Anglophone literature from 1990 to 2010 was reviewed for original articles and reviews dealing with the barrier and performance properties of NRL and synthetic gloves and the role of glove powder. The review shows that NRL medical gloves, when compared with synthetic gloves, tend to be stronger, more flexible and better accepted by clinicians. The introduction of powder-free gloves has been associated with reductions in protein content and associated allergies. Recently, new methods to quantify clinically relevant NRL allergens have enabled the identification of gloves with low allergenic potential. The use of low-protein, low-allergenic, powder-free gloves is associated with a significant decrease in the prevalence of type I allergic reactions to NRL among healthcare workers. Given the excellent barrier properties and operating characteristics, dramatically reduced incidences of allergic reactions, availability of specific tests for selection of low-allergen gloves, competitive costs and low environmental impact, the use of NRL gloves within the hospital environment warrants reappraisal.

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Section: Decreasing Incidence and Prevalence Of Type I Allergymentioning

confidence: 99%

Latex Medical Gloves: Time for a Reappraisal

Palosuo

Antoniadou

Gottrup

et al. 2011

Int Arch Allergy Immunol

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“…The sensitivity was 50 μg/g [17]. Latex aeroallergens were detected by using a Pharmacia CAP competitive inhibition immunoassay [18]. The Pharmacia CAP system is a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay using non-ammoniated NRL allergens (k82, a crude protein extract from latex spiked with recombinant Hev b 5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Latex sensitization and risk factors in female nurses in Thai governmental hospitals

Supapvanich

Povey

Vocht

2014

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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Objectives: Exposure to latex allergens in latex gloves can cause occupational health problems in nurses, yet latex gloves are still widely used in Thai hospitals. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in nurses and identify risk factors associated with sensitization. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire, providing information on personal characteristics, ill-health, working conditions and symptoms related to latex product use, was administered to 363 female nurses working in two tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. Latex sensitization was confirmed using a solid phase immunoassay to detect anti-latex IgE antibodies. Total glove protein levels were determined by using a modified Lowry method and latex aeroallergens by a competitive inhibition immunoassay. Results: The overall prevalence of latex sensitization was 4.4%. Respiratory symptoms related to latex glove use were significantly associated with latex sensitization (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.57-19). Total glove protein levels ranged 87.8-250.8 μg protein/dm 2 . The prevalence of latex sensitization was higher (6.6% vs. 2.2%) in the hospital where gloves with higher protein levels (82-438 μg/g vs. 86-170 μg/g) were used. Furthermore, latex sensitization prevalence increased from 3% to 5% with increased average departmental aeroallergen concentrations. Conclusions: Latex sensitization prevalence in Thai nurses was higher than previously reported. Respiratory exposure seems to play an important role, in addition to dermal exposure. If latex gloves cannot be replaced by non-latex alternatives, replacement with gloves with lower protein content should be considered.

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“…HCW contact directly with the internal surfaces of latex gloves where we found higher contents of Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02, ‘major’ allergens for this risk group. Additionally, they may inhale aerosols of glove powder coated with natural rubber latex allergens of inner surfaces that contact with the mucous membrane of the nose, throat and airways of the lung 17–19,21 . On the other hand, the ‘major’ allergens for patients with spina bifida were detected at higher levels on the external surface of latex gloves, and patients may become sensitized by contact during surgical procedures 22 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%