HYPOALLERGENIC LATEX SURGICAL GLOVES - CL INICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL ASPECTS

Due to the increase in allergies to latex, some suppliers have modifie d their manufacturing processes, and sell their products as ''hypoalle rgenic gloves''. Following positive skin tests and provoked reaction t ests performed on sensitized patients, surface studies with a scanning microscope have been undertaken. Attention is drawn to the high numbe r of micro-particles easily detached by rubbing, without any appreciab le modification of the glove structure. Prolonged washing can result i n thinning of latex.