Rubber stoppers are removed, and medications are drawn up directly from the vials. Stopcocks are used for medication administration. Rubber injection ports are covered with tape to avoid using them. Solutions are drawn up in a syringe for no more than six hours, as there is a risk of leaching of latex from the rubber plunger. The incidence of latex allergy is rising.
Some urologic patients are particularly at-risk.
An allergic reaction to latex during a procedure or surgery can lead to cerebral damage or even death as a result of the circulatory shock of anaphylaxis. When an individual becomes sensitized to latex it may limit their activities on a daily basis. Life may be significantly altered by the need to avoid contact with latex products. Healthcare workers must be aware of the risk of latex allergy not only in their patients, but also in themselves and their co-workers. Recognizing the risk of morbidity and mortality of both patients and staff, some institutions are moving, wherever possible, to reduce or eliminate latex in medical devices, equipment and gloves.