A hospital-based screening study of latex allergy and latex sensitization among medical workers in Taiwan.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Natural rubber latex is the most important occupational allergen among medical workers, and remains a significant occupational health issue in Taiwan. We conducted this large-scale hospital-based screening study to understand the incidence of latex allergy and latex sensitization among medical workers in Taiwan over the past 5 years.

METHODS:

1253 medical workers were enrolled in this study. Subjects were interviewed using a screening questionnaire. Skin prick testing with commercial latex extract was performed for 1139 of the subjects.

RESULTS:

152 subjects (12%) had positive latex skin prick test, suggesting that they had been sensitized to latex proteins. Seventy nine subjects (6%) had immediate allergic reactions to latex products. The prevalence of contact hand dermatitis from latex gloves was 35%. The intensive care unit and medical laboratory department accounted for the highest prevalence of allergy among all hospital departments. Most subjects developed immediate latex allergy by 9000 h of total latex exposure. The prevalence of positive latex skin prick test increased with increasing duration of latex exposure.

CONCLUSIONS:

Latex allergy continues to be an important occupational allergy among medical workers in Taiwan. The addition of a routine screening examination in medical employees' health check-ups will help in the early identification of sensitized cases and facilitate preventive strategies.

• Authors: Ching-Tsai Lin, Dong-Zong Hung, Der-Yuan Chen, Hsin-Ju Wu, Jong-Liang Lan, Yi-Hsing Chen
• Journal: Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi (J Microbiol Immunol Infect) Vol. 41 Issue 6 Pg. 499-506 (Dec 2008) ISSN: 1995-9133 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19255694 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Latex

Topics

• Female
• Health Personnel (statistics & numerical data)
• Hospitals
• Humans
• Latex (immunology)
• Latex Hypersensitivity (epidemiology)
• Male
• Mass Screening
• Occupational Diseases (epidemiology)
• Occupational Exposure
• Skin Tests
• Taiwan (epidemiology)
• Time Factors