AN APPROACH TO MANAGING LATEX ALLERGY IN THE HEALTH-CARE WORKER

IgE-mediated sensitivity (true allergy) to latex occurs in well-define d groups The common feature is a high degree of repeated exposure to l ates. Approximately one percent of the total U.S, population and five to 17 percent of health care workers are affected, The objective of th is article is to provide a rational approach to managing latex: allerg y in health care workers. information is provided on the basis of a re view of recent literature (primarily since 1986) and on the basis of w ork by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Multidisciplinary Latex Allergy Committee. This article summarizes a proactive, hospital -wide approach to effective management of latex allergy in health care workers. The approach incorporates recommendations from several revie w articles, including a position statement from the American College o f Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and work done by the University of I owa Hospitals : and Clinics Multidisciplinary Latex Allergy Committee. Health care administrators, allergists, dermatologists, and occupatio nal health personnel must work together to develop guidelines and impl ement policies to curb rising lates sensitization rates in health care workers. Many situations can be managed through medical, personal, an d household avoidance of lates antigen and through modifications to;he work environment. This article also presents an algorithmic approach to care management strategies that enhances documentation and yields m ore accurate data about incidence and prevalence of latex hypersensiti vity among health care professionals.