Keh C, Soon Y and Wong LS
Latex Allergy: An emerging problem in theatres
Int J Clin Pract 2000; 54 (9): 582-584

Latex allergy is becoming a key issue for patients and healthcare workers as a result of the increasing use of natural rubber products. The availability of a latex allergy protocol and essential latex-free products in theatres was studied by the authors along with the number of latex allergy complaints among patients and theatre staff. Theatre managers of 205 hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales were sent postal questionnaires, with a 58.5% response rate. Almost two-thirds of theatres did not have a latex allergy protocol and less than one-third of theatres in the UK have latex-free products in stock. Of 505 patients with latex allergy undergoing surgery four died, 18 had major anaphylaxis and 483 complained of minor reactions such as skin rash. Latex allergy reactions were reported in 239 theatre staff, with and one person having a severe anaphylactic reaction. The authors concluded that latex-related complications could be reduced if a latex allergy protocol and a range of essential latex-free products were available in all hospitals.

Yassin MS, Lierl MB, Fischer TJ, et al
Latex allergy in hospital employees
Ann Allergy 1994 Mar;72(3):245-9

The incidence of latex IgE-mediated hypersensitivity was investigated in 224 hospital employees. Staff were interviewed and given skin prick tests to six common aeroallergen extracts, one non-latex synthetic glove extract, and four different natural latex glove extracts. The test population included 136 nurses, 41 laboratory technicians, 13 dental staff, 11 physicians, 6 respiratory therapists, and 17 housekeeping and clerical workers. All subjects tested negative for the non-latex glove (Tactylon) extract but positive results to latex extracts were found in 38 (17%) subjects, with an incidence ranging from 0% in housekeeping staff to 38% in dental staff. Rash upon exposure to latex was observed in 68% of the latex skin test-positive employees and 84% complained of itching, compared with 29% and 17% respectively in latex skin test-negative subjects. The symptoms experienced by latex skin test-positive subjects included urticaria (55%), anaphylaxis (10.5%), sneezing (34%), nasal congestion (39%) and lacrimation and ocular itching (45%). The symptoms were experienced in 0.5%, 0%, 7%, 7% and 6%) of the skin test-negative employees. The authors conclude that the incidence of latex IgE-mediated allergy in hospital employees is 17% and that anaphylaxis and hives when using latex gloves are sensitive predictors of IgE-mediated latex allergy.