Prevalence of latex sensitization in a hospital employee population.

BACKGROUND

Immediate-type allergic reactions to latex products have become increasingly recognized in hospital workers.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess the prevalence of latex sensitization by skin testing and specific IgE testing in a group of hospital employees and compare these with each subject's self-reported allergic history.

METHODS

Volunteers were recruited from selected departments. Each was tested with epicutaneous skin test with latex glove extract and commercial environmental allergens, had blood drawn for latex-specific IgE testing (AlaSTAT brand of ELISA), and was given a questionnaire for general and latex allergy history.

RESULTS

There were 135 participants. Eleven (8.2% of sample, 95% confidence interval 3.4% to 13.0%) were skin test positive for latex reagent, and seven of these (5.2% of sample) reported allergic symptoms to latex contact. Testing for latex-specific IgE (ELISA) showed 6.7% with class II or higher reaction. There was high correlation of the two tests, with ELISA showing a sensitivity of 63.6% and a specificity of 98.4% with reference to skin testing. In this sample, 16% reported some upper respiratory symptoms in association with latex contact, although only one-third of this group was skin test positive. Past history of allergic or atopic disease was poorly predictive of skin or blood test reactivity. A reaction to a greater number of environmental allergens was associated with positive latex skin test reactivity.

CONCLUSION

Testing for latex sensitivity in this hospital sample revealed more than 5% of workers developed clinical allergies to latex and continued to remain occupationally in contact with latex. In vitro testing is a potential substitute for the more technically difficult skin testing.