Prevalence and risk factors for latex allergy: a cross sectional study in a United Kingdom hospital

Objectives-To determine the prevalence and risk factors for symptoms relate d to gloves, and the relation between symptoms and immunological evidence o f type 1 hypersensitivity to latex in a United Kingdom health care setting. Methods-A cross sectional survey was carried out among 773 employees at a B ritish hospital. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect info rmation about symptoms related to gloves and associated risk factors in a s ample of hospital staff who were Likely to use gloves at work. All of those who reported symptoms suggestive of type 1 hypersensitivity were invited f or skin prick testing and measurement of specific IgE to latex (RAST). Results-Among the 372 responders, symptoms related to gloves were common, 4 9% reported redness or itching of the hands, 14% reported urticaria, and 6% reported chest tightness. However, the frequency of positive skin prick te sts and RASTs was surprisingly low (only two subjects tested positive). Conclusions-These findings indicate the need for caution in the interpretat ion of symptoms related to gloves even when they seem to suggest type 1 hyp ersensitivity.