Latex Medical Gloves |
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Over the past few years, there has been an increasing incidence of allergic reactions among health care workers to medical latex gloves. Current estimates on the prevalence of latex allergy among health care workers range as
high as 17%. This is thought to be largely due to the institution of universal precautions in response to the AIDS epidemic, and the resultant dramatic increase in exam glove usage. A large body of literature on this subject has built
up in the allergy, immunology, and nursing journals, but there have been relatively few publications in the surgical literature, so many surgeons and surgical subspecialists remain relatively ignorant in this area. This review will summarize the most important findings from
this literature from the point of view of the glove user (the surgeon and nurse). A major theme of this monograph is thatlatex gloves, like all medical devices, have benefits as well as risks. There are potential side effects from this
device, and the surgeon needs to consider these in making his or her choice of sterile surgical gloves.
What characteristics should we look for in latex powder free gloves? What types of allergic reactions can occur? You should understand what it is that you are putting against your skin. It is important to consider the risk of allergic sensitization
when selecting latex powdered gloves rather than just choosing the lowest cost item available, or simply relying on the hospital purchasing department to make the appropriate choice for you.
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