The prevalence of atopy and hypersensitivity to latex in medical laboratory technologists

Members of the Alberta Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists were invited to take part in a study of sensitivity to latex gloves. A total of 230 persons volunteered; 108 (47%) had no problems with gloves, and 122 (53%) reacted to latex gloves. A history was obtained regarding atopy, smoking, years in laboratory medicine, and the nature of the problem with latex gloves. Serum was assayed for the total IgE level and the presence of IgE with specificity to common inhalant allergens and to latex. The affected group had an increased population of subjects with an atopic history and a higher incidence of a raised IgE level and a positive screen for inhalant allergens. In the affected group, there was no relationship between the total IgE level and severity of skin reaction. However, smoking was related to severity of reaction and was more common in the groups with a more severe reaction. Three subjects were positive for IgE specific for latex; there were no other data distinguishing them from latex-negative subjects.