SETTING STANDARDS FOR PRODUCT SELECTION - ALLERGY PREVENTION

It is axiomatic to state that if products made of natural rubber latex were not used in health care settings then there would be no problems of acquired hypersensitivity from such products. Although synthetic m aterials are available they do not currently possess the same technica l qualities of elasticity and comfort, nor do they deliver the desired degree of protection against biological agents as gloves made out of natural rubber latex. Selection of gloves either for non-sterile proce dures or sterile surgical use should be based on this understanding, a nd gloves with minimal levels of extractable latex proteins should be used.