[Allergy to ethylene oxide in dental patients]

IgE antibodies to human serum albumin-ethylene oxide conjugates were determined by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) in 50 patients who underwent multiple oral surgery during which Et-O sterilised material was used. Total serum IgE levels were also tested by enzyme immunoassay and possible sensitivity to common aeroallergens was investigates by the use of a newly introduced screening test (Phadiatop). IgE serum levels ranged between 12 and 98 IU/ml (normal values) and Phadiatop results were negative. We failed to demonstrate Et-O sensitisation between our patients, therefore we suggest that such a risk is minimal among dental patients.