Approximately l percent of the population is believed to have latex allergy. However, approximately 5 to 15 percent of health care workers and other people exposed to latex on their jobs are estimated to be allergic to latex. In addition, people who have undergone multiple surgeries or other medical procedures and thus have had repeated exposures to latex are susceptible. Some 34 to l00 percent of people with spina bifida, who are repeatedly exposed to latex tips on enema bottles, are estimated to have latex allergy. With the new test, a blood sample is taken from the patient and analyzed in a hospital laboratory.
Results are available in a few hours.
A physical examination and a medical history are still needed to confirm the diagnosis.