SCIENTIFIC ASSAY-METHODS AS THE BASIS FOR GLOVE SELECTION

Allergies to latex proteins and glove chemicals are increasing in the clinical practice setting. Inasmuchas latex is ubiquitous in the healt h environment, individuals may be exposed to latex antigens by a numbe r of different routes, including compromised skin, mucous membranes of the respiratory and urogenital tracts, and internally during during s urgery. As demonstrated by numerous research articles, the key factors that appear to play a role in acquired latex hypersensitivity are che micals used in the manufacture of products; the level of residual late x proteins, and thepresence of glove powder, which binds latex protein . Currently, devices and materials containing latex are not labeled, a lthough this may be rectified by the FDA in the near future. Until pro ducts are labeled, it is important for physicians to familiarize thems elves with the routes of sensitization, variations in assay methods, a nd the type and amount of allergen in products in order to select the safest product for patient use and personal protection.