Investigative methods for natural rubber latex allergy in the UK

Abstract

Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) has become an important health issue in recent years, but little is known about how this condition is investigated by physicians in the UK. This postal questionnaire of British dermatology and allergy specialists shows substantial variation in diagnostic practice, most notably with regard to the utilization and choice of starting dose of commercial latex prick test dilutions, reliance on allergen-specific immunoglobulin E measurement, investigation of associated fruit allergy and provision of resuscitation equipment/method of consent when challenge testing. 17% of responding physicians who investigate for NRL allergy do not perform prick test or glove challenge because of the potential risk of anaphylaxis or lack of resuscitation facilities. 87% of allergy clinic specialists report no reduction in the number of patients presenting as new referrals with suspected NRL allergy. These findings suggest a need for robust guidance to achieve more consistent investigative practice by those dealing with this condition.

Glove-related hand urticaria: an increasing occupational problem among healthcare workers

“…Lowe et al . have shown previously how services for latex allergy investigations vary depending on who investigates and the facilities available . Being wrongly diagnosed as having latex allergy can cause an unnecessary and significant impact on patients’ quality of life, given the need for allergen avoidance, and may affect both their present occupation and future employment.…”

“…Lowe et al have shown previously how services for latex allergy investigations vary depending on who investigates and the facilities available. 10 Being wrongly diagnosed as having latex allergy can cause an unnecessary and significant impact on patients' quality of life, 11 given the need for allergen avoidance, and may affect both their present occupation and future employment. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that there will be patients who have both glove-related hand urticaria and latex allergy, thus emphasizing the importance of testing for both conditions.…”

Percutaneous reactivity to natural rubber latex proteins persists in health‐care workers following avoidance of natural rubber latex

“…NRL gloves have been the most common source of occupational NRL allergen exposure for health-care workers (HCWs) and patients [3][4][5]. Clinical manifestations of NRL allergy reported in HCWs include rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchospasm, contact urticaria, and anaphylaxis [1,[6][7][8][9][10].…”