|
In the past few years, latex allergy has been recognized as a significant problem for patients and healthcare workers.
Approximately 0.8% of the population is latex sensitive. However, patients and/or healthcare workers who have frequent exposure to latex devices such as gloves, catheters, and drains may be sensitized. It has been reported that 6-7% of surgical personnel and 18-40% of spina bifida patients are latex sensitive. It is estimated that 7.5% of surgeons and 5.6% of nurses are sensitive to latex or the chemicals used in processing latex. Latex, the sap of the rubber tree, contains low molecular weight soluble proteins, which are the likely allergy cause.
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to latex vary from contact urticaria to systemic anaphylaxis that requires lifesaving intervention.
Anaphylactic reactions have complicated a variety of common medical procedures including surgery and anesthesia, barium enemas, as well as oral, vaginal and rectal examinations utilizing latex gloves.
Patients should be identified as being latex sensitive based on medical history. The room needs to be labeled latex-free to avoid personnel from bringing rubber products (wristbands, chart labels, bedding, room signs, etc.) into the room.
A readily available master list of latex-free devices and products should be developed.
Establish a latex consultant in your institution, an allergist is recommended.
Develop programs to educate healthcare workers in the care of latex-sensitive patients.
Schedule latex-allergy and/or latex-risk patients as the first case(s) in the morning. This will allow latex dust (from the previous day) to be removed overnight.
COMMON LATEX MEDICAL
DEVICES USED IN THE HOSPITAL
- Mattresses found on stretchers
- Rubber gloves
- Adhesive tape
- Urinary catheters
- Electrode pads
- Wound drains
- Stomach and intestinal tubes
- Condom urinary collection devices
- Protective sheets
- Enema tubing kits
- Dental cofferdams
- Rubber pads
- Esmarch (exsanguination) bandages
- Fluid circulating warming blankets
- Hemodialysis equipment
- Ambu bags
- Bulb syringes
- Elastic bandages, ACE™ wraps
- Medication vial stoppers
- Stethoscope tubing
- Band-Aids™, and other similar products
- Gloves-exam and sterile
- Patient controlled analgesia syringes
- Tourniquets
|
