Latex allergy and the WOC nurse: a review of the literature.
The WOC nurse is familiar with products used to manage skin care. Latex sensitivity and allergy is becoming epidemic in the United States and is being studied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because of its life-threatening consequences. Education and prevention from further exposure must be addressed by health care workers. With the wealth of information on manufactures and their products, and a basic understanding of cellular immunology, the WOC nurse can facilitate the move toward either a latex-free or latex-safe environment for patients and health care staff.
Aronovitch
S A
SA
Albany Medical Center, NY, USA.
Scardillo
J
J
D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015994:Incidence; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010030:Ostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013041:Specialties, Nursing; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing*
D007840:Latex