首页 | 本学科首页   官方微博 | 高级检索  
     


Prevention of latex allergy among health care workers and in the general population: latex protein content in devices commonly used in hospitals and general practice
Authors:Michela Crippa  Luca Belleri  Gianni Mistrello  Chiara Tedoldi  Lorenzo Alessio
Affiliation:(1) Institute of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Regional hospital “Sp. Civili” of Brescia, Brescia, Italy;(2) Lofarma Company S.P.A., Milan, Italy
Abstract:Background: In this study the latex protein content in devices commonly used in hospitals and general practice were investigated. The main aim was to acquire information for preventing latex allergy in health care workers and in the general population. Methods: About 22 different types of medical devices and 23 devices commonly used in general practice were examined evaluating the total allergenic potency by a modified RAST-inhibition assay and quantitative determination of single allergens (Hev b1, Hev b5 and Hev b6.02) by using commercial ELISA kit. Results: A high level of inhibition was found in medical devices, such as elastic bandage (81.57%), tourniquet (74.09%), Foley urinary catheter (68.35%), Penrose drainage (67.25%) and taping (39.6%), and in common devices, such as rubber inner-sole (84.20%), toy balloon (78.62%), latex mattress (74.27%), household rubber gloves (49.10%), working gloves (38.25%), inflatable floating mattress (32.10%). Concentrations of latex extractable proteins and Hev b1, Hev b5 and Hev b6.02 antigens were high in some medical and general devices. Conclusions: Latex exposure sources were found in hospitals and the home. These findings, though only preliminary and far from conclusive, could enable sensitized persons to avoid risky exposures and prevent allergic reactions. From the point of view of prevention, the time may come when every natural rubber object could be systematically labelled as “containing latex” together with the warning that “this item may cause allergic reactions in sensitized subjects.”
Keywords:Health care workers  Latex allergy  Latex device  Prevention
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录!
设为首页 | 免责声明 | 关于勤云 | 加入收藏

Copyright©北京勤云科技发展有限公司  京ICP备09084417号