[Occupational immediate allergy to latex. II. Diagnosis and prevention]

In vitro methods play an extremely important role in the diagnosis of natural rubber allergy (NRL). In vivo diagnostic procedures may be life-threatening and clinical history is usually of low sensitivity and specificity. CAP-RAST and AlaSTAT--laboratory methods for detection of specific IgE--display most likely the highest clinical value in NRL diagnosis. Skin prick tests, the test with a piece of glove, bronchial and nasal challenge tests are also used in the diagnosis of natural rubber allergy. The most essential preventive issues of NRL are as follows: the drawing up guidelines on labelling of latex containing medical devices, high risk group screening, and the development of facilities in health institutions for taking care of patients sensitized to latex.