The effect of a transition to powder-free latex gloves on workers' compensation claims for latex-related illness.
BACKGROUND
Adverse reactions to natural rubber latex gloves are an important cause of workers' compensation claims among health care personnel. In an effort to reduce latex-related illness, our institution transitioned to powder-free latex gloves in 2001.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of this transition on the number of workers' compensation claims for latex-related illness.


METHODS
A review of claims data from 1997 to 2005 was conducted.


RESULTS
The incidence of claims for latex-related illness was significantly lower following the switch to powder-free gloves.


CONCLUSIONS
The switch to powder-free latex gloves was associated with a significant decrease in workers' compensation claims for latex-related illness. The cost of gloves increased but was partially offset by a decrease in workers' compensation payments and operating room expenses.
Malerich
Patricia G
PG
Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA.
Wilson
Morgan L
ML
Mowad
Christen M
CM
D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000191:economics*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics*; D011208:Powders; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D011208:Powders