Latex allergy requires attention in orthopaedic nursing

Latex allergy has increased among high risk groups dramatically in recent years. Health care providers need to develop mechanisms to identify patients who are latex allergic, educate patients and families about latex allergy, and minimize exposure to latex products for high risk populations within their setting. Labeling of latex contents by manufacturers would facilitate recognition of latex products. Refined testing may increase the ability to predict latex allergy response. Until more is known about this phenomenon, clinicians need to be diligent in their efforts to meet the needs of the latex-sensitive patient and protect the patients who are at high risk to develop latex sensitivity.