Latex allergen levels of injectable collagen stored in syringes with rubber plungers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the latex allergen content of glutaraldehyde cross-linked injectable bovine collagen stored in rubber plunger syringes.


METHODS
Extracts of syringe plungers and collagen solutions before and after storage in syringes with natural rubber latex plungers were tested for latex protein allergens. Thirty-nine patients known to be allergic to latex underwent skin prick testing with extracts of the latex plungers, collagen solutions before and after storage in syringes, standard latex skin test reagents, four extracts from commercially available gloves, and positive (histamine) and negative (diluent) control solutions. Thirty-one control patients not known to be latex allergic were similarly tested.


RESULTS
No latex proteins were detected using in vitro immunochemical techniques. Only 1 of 39 (2.5%) latex allergic patients reacted to the syringe extract and the collagen stored in the syringe. No reactions were recorded to collagen that no contact with latex.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of latex antigens in injectable collagen is very low. The low prevalence of skin test reactivity in these highly latex allergic individuals suggests that type 1 hypersensitivity reactions as a result of latex contamination would be unlikely.
Jones
J M
JM
C.R. Bard Inc., Covington, Georgia 30209, USA.
Sussman
G L
GL
Beezhold
D H
DH
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D003094:Collagen / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D004340:Drug Contamination; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D013594:Syringes
D000485:Allergens; D000941:Antigens; C075314:GAX-collagen; D007840:Latex; D003094:Collagen