Position Statement Regarding Latex Allergy

Whereas, natural rubber latex allergy is a serious medical problem for a growing number of patients and a disabling occupational disease among health care workers.

Whereas, latex allergy develops from exposure to natural rubber latex, a plant cytosol that is used extensively to manufacture medical gloves, other medical devices and numerous consumer products.

Whereas, allergic reactions to latex range from skin disease to asthma and anaphylaxis that can result in chronic illness, disability, career loss, hardship and death.

Whereas, there is no treatment for latex allergy except complete avoidance of latex.

Whereas, patients and health providers must be assured safety from iatrogenic sensitization and allergic reactions to latex.

Therefore Be it Resolved, OMNE: Nursing Leaders of Maine, supports interventions to reduce the risk of sensitization to ensure safe outcomes for latex sensitized patients and personnel in all health care settings.

In support of ANA’s Latex Allergy Position Statement , OMNE: Nursing Leaders of Maine recommends the following actions to protect patients and personnel from latex sensitization.
All healthcare organizations should eliminate unnecessary use of latex gloves and implement the use of low- allergen, powder free products.
All healthcare organizations should develop patient care guidelines to:
  1. Ensure that the environment is free from contamination by latex carried by glove powder;
  2. Identify latex-sensitized patients and those at risk, instruct them about self-care, and deliver latex-safe care in accordance with recommended practice guidelines;
  3. Establish alternatives for latex medical devices as available;
  4. Develop procedures to identify and resolve problems with medical devices relevant to allergic reactions or glove performance.
All healthcare organizations should develop occupational health guidelines that will:
  • Ensure a workplace that is safe from contamination by latex;
  • Educate personnel regarding latex allergy and related issues of hand care, hand dermatoses, glove use, product problem reports and continued adherence to universal precautions;
  • Provide task appropriate, powder free, low allergen gloves;
  • Facilitate early identification, diagnosis, treatment and tracking of personnel with symptoms of latex allergy;
  • Accommodate latex sensitized employees safely in the workplace.
All healthcare organizations will ensure that personnel will:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of latex allergy issues;
  • Adhere to latex allergy guidelines pertaining to the safety of patients and self;
  • Seek occupational health services and medical care for early diagnosis and treatment of latex sensitivity.

Draft: January 5, 2001
Approved: January 26, 2001

This site and all its content are the exclusive property of OMNE.