A hospital-based screening study of latex allergy and latex sensitization among medical workers in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Natural rubber latex is the most important occupational allergen among medical workers, and remains a significant occupational health issue in Taiwan. We conducted this large-scale hospital-based screening study to understand the incidence of latex allergy and latex sensitization among medical workers in Taiwan over the past 5 years.

METHODS

1253 medical workers were enrolled in this study. Subjects were interviewed using a screening questionnaire. Skin prick testing with commercial latex extract was performed for 1139 of the subjects.

RESULTS

152 subjects (12%) had positive latex skin prick test, suggesting that they had been sensitized to latex proteins. Seventy nine subjects (6%) had immediate allergic reactions to latex products. The prevalence of contact hand dermatitis from latex gloves was 35%. The intensive care unit and medical laboratory department accounted for the highest prevalence of allergy among all hospital departments. Most subjects developed immediate latex allergy by 9000 h of total latex exposure. The prevalence of positive latex skin prick test increased with increasing duration of latex exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Latex allergy continues to be an important occupational allergy among medical workers in Taiwan. The addition of a routine screening examination in medical employees' health check-ups will help in the early identification of sensitized cases and facilitate preventive strategies.