Outline Introduction Latex Persons at Risk Clues to the Diagnosis Immunologic Evaluation Recommendations to the Latex Sens. Pt. Over 1000 allergic and anaphylactic rxns and 15 anaphylactic deaths related to the use of latex-derived medical devices had been reported to the FDA by the end of 1992. Latex Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis.
Natural rubber is a processed product of latex.
Latex contains proteins, lipids, nucleotides and cofactors. Accelerators and additives such as mercaptobezothiazole, thiurams, carbamates, and phenylenediamine are also used in the processing. The final product is approx. It is this unspecified protein that is thought to be the allergen in T-I hypersensitivity rxns. The adoption of universal precautions to prevent HIV and viral hepatitis transmission has greatly increased the use of latex gloves.