Task Force on Allergic Reactions to Latex. American Academy of Allergy and Immunology. Committee report.

Abstract

In spite of increasing awareness of latex allergy in the medical and lay communities, many of our colleagues are still not sufficiently knowledgeable about this condition. In these cases, the allergist-immunologist should serve not only as a physician consultant but also as a patient advocate. Letters, phone calls, and/or personal appearances before school boards, employers, patient care committees, infection control committees, medical groups, and industrial representatives may be necessary to protect patients with this condition. The transmission of bloodborne diseases is one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time. Latex gloves and condoms have been essential parts of a worldwide strategy to address this issue. Current Food and Drug Administration regulations impose the same water leak standards on all medical gloves, regardless of manufacturing material or method. However, there are, at this time, no latex-free condoms that prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted disease. In our research efforts we must cooperate with our colleagues in infection control and industry to provide effective and nonantigenic barriers to disease transmission.