According to the American Latex Allergy Association’s web site accessed on May 3, 2010, approximately three million people in the United States have a latex allergy. These people develop an allergy to a protein in the natural milky sap from rubber trees and not to synthetic forms of latex. Symptoms may include skin rashes, breathing problems, or anaphylactic or severe symptoms. These symptoms tend to increase with added exposure to latex, so avoiding the substance is a mainstay of latex allergy precautions.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s web article entitled “Latex Allergies,” the incidence of latex allergy seems to have increased with an increased use of protective equipment like powdered latex gloves in healthcare settings. With the rise of resistant superbug infections such as C. Diff and MRSA, healthcare facilities are looking at ways to protect residents and healthcare workers from unnecessary latex exposure while still providing proper infection control.
Common and Hidden Latex in Nursing Home Healthcare Supplies
Some supplies commonly found in nursing homes contain latex, with powdered latex gloves topping the list. Other supplies that might contain latex are mentioned by the American Latex Allergy Association, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory, and the Alaska Native Medical Center’s Infection Control Manual including:
- condom catheters
- rectal catheters
- gastrointestinal catheters
- adhesive bandages
- blood pressure cuffs
- stethoscope tubing
- tourniquets used for starting IVs
- injection ports on IVs
- medication vials with stoppers
- syringes
- pulse oximeter
- spacer for inhaler
- suction tubing
- CPR masks and resuscitators
- drains
- dishwashing and cleaning gloves
- elastic and/or spandex in clothing
- TED or compression stockings
- balloons
- condoms
- diaphragms
- resistive exercise bands
How to Avoid Latex in a Nursing Home
Facilities have individual policies related to latex allergies, and latex labeling by manufacturers can help identify hidden sources of the allergen. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has required latex labeling on all medical devices and packaging since September 30, 1998.
Other supplies that are not specifically medically related may or may not contain labeling related to latex or natural rubber content, but the manufacturer’s consumer relations department should be able to give people information regarding latex or cross contamination of latex in their products. The American Latex Allergy Association provides a list of latex-free medical products and manufacturers.
If someone with a latex allergy is going to be admitted to a long-term care facility, it is important to communicate the allergy before admission in order to avoid contact with latex proteins and resulting mild to severe allergic reactions. The person may also have a cross-sensitivity to several different foods and may need to have specific dietary needs assessed and addressed.
Latex-free Supplies in LTC Facilities
Facilities are beginning to stock more latex-free supplies and are coming up with strategies for decreasing the chance that someone with a latex allergy will come into contact with proteins that can cause reactions. With educational programs for staff, family members, and the resident and careful stocking of medical supplies with special attention to supplies, clothing, and other items, better labeling, more latex-free products, and clear facility guidelines, someone with a latex allergy may find a safer environment in a nursing home than in years past.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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