Latex allergy: implications for healthcare personnel and infusion therapy patients

The health care arena has been dramatically impacted by the implementation of universal precautions and OSHA standards, mandating the use of disposable gloves. These directives promote the judicious use of gloves as a barrier against contact with blood and body fluids. An increasing number of hypersensitivity reactions to latex are being reported by the medical community. The FDA cites that 6%-7% of surgical personnel are latex sensitive as well as 18%-40% of spina bifida patients. Sensitivity reactions range from mild delayed symptomatology in the form of eczematous contact dermatitis, to severe systemic reactions including death. Besides gloves, latex is found in catheters, i.v. tubing, injection caps and anesthesia masks. Latex sensitivity creates yet another infusion therapy challenge for the i.v. clinician.