Dissecting room problem: prevalence of latex allergy among medical students

Latex gloves are in widespread use among preclinical medical and dental students in the dissecting room. Increasing numbers of cases of severe latex sensitivity are being reported. This study was carried out to assess the size of this problem among preclinical and clinical students. First-year students (196) and fifth-year students (155) of the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals (UMDS) were asked to complete a questionnaire about symptoms related to allergy to latex gloves and associated risk factors. The prevalence of all self-reported symptoms was 9.6% overall with no significant difference between first- and fifth-year students. The prevalence of rash was significantly different; 2.6% in first-year and 8.5% in fifth-year students. Of those who reported symptoms, there was a significant excess of females and of individuals with eczema, hay fever, or a family history of atopic conditions, compared with those without symptoms. There was no difference between racial groups and no demonstrable link with a history of food allergy, previous surgery, or sensitivity to household rubber products. Only 2 of the 29 individuals with symptoms reported for skin-prick testing, one of whom demonstrated Type I hypersensitivity.