| Document ID (ISN) | 101485 |
| CIS number |
03-322 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine |
| Year |
2003 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Crippa M., Belleri L., Mistrello G., Carsana T., Neri G., Alessio L. |
| Title |
Prevention of latex allergy among health care workers: Evaluation of the extractable latex protein content in different types of medical gloves |
| Bibliographic information |
July 2003, Vol.44, No.1, p.24-31. Illus. 20 ref. |
| Abstract |
Since the 1980s, there has been increased use of latex gloves by health care workers and a concomitant increase of irritant and allergic reactions. The total protein content and the latex allergenic protein content of 29 different types of medical gloves commonly used in a hospital were evaluated with the Lowry modified method and the RAST inhibition assay in glove samples and extracts to acquire information useful for preventing latex allergy in hospital personnel. The highest concentrations of total proteins and allergenic latex proteins were found in examination powdered latex gloves and in surgical powdered latex gloves; a significant amount of latex proteins was found in some brands of nitrile gloves. The clear association between the total protein levels and the allergenic latex protein levels suggests that the gloves with highest total protein content have the greatest allergenic potential. Therefore, it is recommended that manufacturing companies provide package inserts including the total protein contents and possibly allergenic latex protein levels They should declare whether they have added latex to their nitrile glove formulation. RAST-inhibition assays directly on glove samples instead of glove extract seems to be a highly reliable and faster alternative for the evaluation of the allergenic potential of latex gloves. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
proteins; protective gloves; hospitals; latex; allergens |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
nitriles; allergies; equipment testing; immunology; health care personnel |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Italy |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Health care services
Hand and arm protection
|
