An evidence-based approach to medication preparation for the surgical patient at risk for latex allergy: is it time to stop being stopper poppers?
The prevalence of latex allergy is increasing in surgical patient populations. Avoidance of exposure to the allergen is essential to minimizing perioperative complications in patients suspected to be at risk. Natural rubber latex has historically been ubiquitous in medical devices containing rubber. In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to require the labeling of medical devices made from natural rubber latex; since that time substantial progress has been made in identifying latex-free alternatives. However, the rubber stoppers commonly found in pharmaceutical vial closures are exempt from FDA labeling requirements. Examination of the clinical and basic science literature regarding pharmaceutical vial closures supports limiting the rubber stopper to a single needle puncture as a safer practice, with the caveat that no strategy exists for the complete elimination of risk as long as stoppers made from natural rubber latex are used in pharmaceutical vials intended for human use.
Heitz
James W
JW
Department of Anesthesiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. james.heitz@jefferson.edu
Bader
Stephen O
SO
D004349:Drug Packaging; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D012408:Rubber