IgE-mediated natural rubber latex allergy: practical considerations for health care workers

To focus on some specific topics of major significance for health care workers confronted with natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy: 1) sensitization and routes of exposure; 2) threshold allergen exposure levels; 3) evaluation of occupational NRL allergy; 4) prevention of sensitization and allergic reactions to NRL-containing devices; 5) selecting the right alternative; and 6) regulatory responses to NRL allergy issues.

English and French language papers identified through a MEDLINE search and bibliographies of the identified papers and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Food and Drug Administration web sites.

1) The threshold levels of NRL exposure needed for sensitization and the precise way in which it comes about remain to be elucidated, but cutaneous, percutaneous, mucosal, and parenteral exposure can all give rise to symptoms. 2) Strengths and weaknesses of the questionnaire and currently available diagnostic techniques for NRL allergy are emphasized. 3) Prevention strategies should focus on dipped materials and stress upon the possibility of passive and active transmission of NRL aeroallergen. 4) Generally, vinyl gloves are an appropriate alternative for NRL gloves; however, when barrier integrity is a concern, nitrile gloves provide protection that is comparable with NRL. 5) Several government bodies, standards organizations, and regulatory agencies have issued regulations concerning the control and labeling of protein and allergen levels in NRL products.

Accurate diagnosis and management of NRL allergy is essential because of the potential for severe hypersensitivity reactions. Major developments have been made in characterizing and cloning NRL allergens, and future development in this area may lead to better diagnostic tools and possible therapeutic agents for immunotherapy. However, at present, avoidance remains the only effective approach. We hope that additional well performed prospective incidence studies will bring more accurate data concerning sensitization doses and provide the valuable information to improve prevention strategies.