366th MDG prepares latex-safe care

Published May 15, 2012
By 1st Lt. Lora Wolski
366th Aersopace Medical Squadron

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Medical Group transitioned to a latex-safe facility May 1. Patient safety remains the cornerstone of quality care provided by the MDG, and becoming a latex-safe facility is an important step forward. Latex-safe sections will maximize the use of non-latex supplies and products. This change will reduce the chance of patients being exposed to latex when direct care is provided.

Latex has long been used in many products because it is inexpensive, durable, plentiful and can be molded to almost any size or shape. It is found in thousands of medical and household products. A few examples include gloves, catheters, syringes, IV injection ports, medication vial stoppers and wheelchair tires.

The medical and dental communities have taken note of the important patient safety issues surrounding the use of latex supplies and products as more patients and healthcare workers develop allergies to the natural proteins in latex or the additives to latex products. Adults and children can become sensitive to the proteins in natural rubber latex. This is especially true for patients that have had multiple surgeries, use latex products regularly or for patients that have a diagnosis of Spina Bifida. Patients with food sensitivities to kiwi, banana, avocado and some nuts may also have a higher incidence of problems associated with latex products.

Adverse reactions can begin shortly after exposure or hours later. The milder reactions are those of skin redness, rash, itching or hives. More serious reactions involve sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and asthma. The most serious but rare type of life-threatening reaction is when a person shows signs of shock. There is no known cure for latex allergy; avoidance of latex exposure is the only protection.

The MDG encourages all patients to be partners in providing safe care. Patients are actively involved by informing medical staff of any known or suspected latex or food allergies and asking questions when care is being provided if there are concerns that a product contains latex.

Patients, family members or friends should not bring latex products such as latex balloons into the facility. Mylar balloons are an acceptable alternative. Patients with known allergies that cause a serious medical reaction should consider wearing a medical alert bracelet.

Unfortunately, not all products are available in a latex-free version nor will all be considered clinically equivalent. For example, male latex condoms are highly effective in preventing Sexually Transmitted Illnesses, whereas lamb skin condoms are not.

Editor's note: Please direct any questions about this program to the Public Health Flight at (208) 828-7280. Additional resources can be found at the following websites: www.cdc.gov, www.latexallergyresources.org, www.osha.gov, www.niosh.gov and www.state.nj.us.

366th MDG prepares latex-safe care

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