Latex Allergy

About Latex Allergies n Health care workers are at risk of latex allergies n Allergic reactions or symptoms should lead healthcare workers to look at latex allergies

What is Latex Allergy? n An allergic, or immediate hypersensitivity reaction n Occurs when the body’s immune system is sensitized to a foreign protein

What products contain natural rubber latex? n Disposable gloves n Airway & IV tubing n Syringes n Stethoscopes n Catheters n Dressings & bandages n 40,000 consumer products (I.e. condoms, athletic shoe soles, rubber toys, nipples and pacifiers, etc.)

Latex Gloves, Most common cause of latex allergy. n Airborne latex proteins are absorbed by powders used to lubricate some latex gloves. n When gloves are snapped on and off, proteins become airborne and risk to some people with latex hypersensitivity.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS n Symptoms similar to individuals who are allergic to bee venom or cat dander. n Symptoms may include nasal congestion, hives or difficulty breathing. n May mimic hay fever or asthma may mimic hay fever or asthma

Persons at Risk n Healthcare workers n Persons requiring frequent bladder catheterization n Neural tube defects (spina bifida, myelomeningocele) n Multiple surgeries n Multiple allergies (especially to balloons, or other latex products)

Persons at Risk…cont.. n History of anaphylactic reactions during surgery n Allergy to foods such as banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi, potato, tomato. n Occupational exposure (frequent use of latex gloves) n Prior allergic reactions to latex are most at risk for anaphylactic reaction.

How can healthcare workers protect themselves? n Stop wearing latex gloves if you have a history of allergic reaction. n Allergy skin test performed under close supervision. How is a suspected latex allergy confirmed? n Allergy skin test performed under close supervision.

NURSING GUIDELINES 1. Admissions: Ask patients if they have sensitivity or allergy to latex 2. Flag the chart 3. Place patient ID bracelet, noting allergy or sensitivity 4. Notify the receiving floor 5. Place lilac colored “No Latex” signs on the patient’s door, and above the bed 6. Place lilac colored “No Latex” sticker on outside of patient chart or bedside chart

7. Remove all latex containing products from the room prior to the patient occupancy 8. Request the Latex Free cart from Distribution Notify key departments of special needs I.e.: Dietary, Pharmacy. Distribution, Envoi. Svcs., & Lab 9. Based on patient need notify: OR, Xray, PT, OT, Respiratory, etc.

10. Ensure Environmental Control measures are completed before patient occupancy 11. Question patients about latex allergy 12. Insure patient has latex ID bracelet 13. Record latex allergy in Multidisciplinary Assessment, Cardex, and Care Giver/Care Manager 14. Order latex free diet

15. After general plan of care is determined, Distribution must be notified immediately to order latex free items. 16. Latex free protocol is to be followed with all identified risk groups 17. All reactions to latex must be reported to Pharmacy 18. If reaction occurs an Occurrence Report is to be initiated

NHRMC Protocol & Departmental Guidelines available in policy for: n Pharmacy n OR n ASU n Outpatient Clinics n Physicians