Cytotoxicity assessment of latex urinary catheters on cultured human urothelial cells

PURPOSE: To study the toxicity of latex urinary catheters on cultured human urothelial cells (HUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We exposed monolayers of HUC (well characterized for their proliferation, qualitative evaluation and quantitative measurement of cytokeratins) to either pure or diluted liquid latex extracts, obtained under standard conditions or by direct contact with materials. RESULTS: The latex urinary catheter appears to be highly toxic since cell viability and metabolic activity were about 10% of those of negative controls for original extracts. Concerning direct contact, latex reduced cell viability, metabolic activity and cell proliferation of HUC on days 1, 3 and 8. CONCLUSION: The high toxicity of latex on HUC is confirmed for extracts and direct contact. Therefore, it should no longer be used for urinary catheters.