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Occupational Medicine 1998;48:405-410
© 1998 Society of Occupational Medicine

research-article

Latex glove allergy among hospital employees: a study in the north-west of England

A. Sinha*, and P. V. Harrison{dagger}

* Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4RP, UK
{dagger} Department of Dermatology, Queen Victoria Hospital Morecambe, LA4 5NN, UK

The frequency of use and duration of wearing latex gloves among hospital employees has increased due to concerns about AIDS and hepatitis. In many countries there is increased consciousness about latex sensitization. In the UK, the Medical Device Agency has been monitoring latex allergy for a number of years but has not found any conclusive evidence of any significant problem. We report following a detailed questionnaire study in two hospitals in the north-west of England. A total of 1,827 members of staff were questioned about latex allergy at work. One hundred and twenty-four (7%) of these hospital employees had experienced symptoms strongly suggestive of latex allergy. Of this group, 56 had a RAST test ($$$gE specific to latex), which was positive in seven (12.5%). There was a history of atopy in 31%, and a family history of atopy in 17% of the individuals. As a result of the study it was found that 17% (21 of the affected individuals) had already changed their working practice by using latex-free gloves. We were able to increase awareness of latex allergy within the hospitals. Both individuals and health care organizations need to be aware of the problem and hospital organizations should encourage staff to seek guidance to address the problem and, if necessary, to take appropriate measures to improve working practices. Practical guidelines are given with regard to identifying the problem and glove use for hospital staff.

Keywords      Hospital employees; latex glove allergy; RAST test

Received       17 December 1997
Accepted        9 March 1998

Correspondence and reprint requests to: A. Sinha, Associate Specialist, Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Ashton Road, Lancaster LA1 4RP, UK. Tel: (+44) 1524-65944; Fax: (+44) 1524-583608


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B. P. McCall, I. B. Horwitz, and J. D. Kammeyer-Mueller
Have Health Conditions Associated With Latex Increased Since the Issuance of Universal Precautions?
Am J Public Health, April 1, 2003; 93(4): 599 - 604.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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