Comparative studies of latex extracts used in skin testing.
BACKGROUND
There has been considerable variability reported in latex extracts used for skin testing and the results of those skin tests in the evaluation of latex allergy. Some test extracts have been associated with the induction of anaphylactic reactions in sensitive patients, while others have been reported as without adverse reactions.


OBJECTIVE
The present study was designed to evaluate late extracts by comparing antigens from latex gloves.


METHODS
Latex gloves were extracted for from 15 minutes to 24 hours for their protein contents and in vitro reactivities with IgE antibodies using sera of latex allergic patients and controls by ELISA.


RESULTS
A higher yield of proteins was obtained after prolonged extraction, although reactivity of the sera by ELISA showed no major differences among the extracts. Extracts of 15 minutes elicited stronger reaction with health care workers and patients with spina bifida than with 24-hour extracts. The 15-minute extract demonstrated comparatively more reactive antigenic components in the fractions representing 3 to 10 and 10 to 30-kDa compared with fractions having less than 3 and over 30-kDa antigens.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provided no evidence regarding the safety of one latex extract over the other related to time of extraction. The results indicated that a 15-minute extract can be used in ELISA for in vitro and, as in the literature, safe in vivo demonstration of latex specific IgE antibody.
Fink
J N
JN
Allergy-Immunology Division, Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee USA.
Kelly
K J
KJ
Elms
N
N
Kurup
V P
VP
D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D000941:Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000276:immunology
D000941:Antigens; D007840:Latex; D007073:Immunoglobulin E