TY - JOUR
T1 - A Review of Natural-Rubber Latex Allergy in Health Care Workers
AU - Ranta, Peter M.
AU - Ownby, Dennis R.
PY - 2004/1/15
Y1 - 2004/1/15
N2 - This brief review of natural-rubber latex (NRL) allergy in health care workers (HCWs) includes the definition of NRL allergy and data on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm, management, long-term outcomes, economic impact, cost-effectiveness of changing facilities to a latex-free environment, and prevention. The data presented suggest that an individual with type I or type IV hypersensitivity to NRL should be able to continue to work in the workplace with careful evaluation and reasonable accommodations. Reducing exposure to latex is a safe and more economical alternative to complete removal of the individual from the place of employment. The use of low-allergen, nonpowdered NRL gloves substantially reduces airborne exposure to latex in most health care settings.
AB - This brief review of natural-rubber latex (NRL) allergy in health care workers (HCWs) includes the definition of NRL allergy and data on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm, management, long-term outcomes, economic impact, cost-effectiveness of changing facilities to a latex-free environment, and prevention. The data presented suggest that an individual with type I or type IV hypersensitivity to NRL should be able to continue to work in the workplace with careful evaluation and reasonable accommodations. Reducing exposure to latex is a safe and more economical alternative to complete removal of the individual from the place of employment. The use of low-allergen, nonpowdered NRL gloves substantially reduces airborne exposure to latex in most health care settings.
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U2 - 10.1086/380789
DO - 10.1086/380789
M3 - Review article
C2 - 14699458
AN - SCOPUS:1642456566
SN - 1058-4838
VL - 38
SP - 252
EP - 256
JO - Clinical Infectious Diseases
JF - Clinical Infectious Diseases
IS - 2
ER -