The Transfer of Protein Allergens From Latex Gloves: A STUDY OF INFLUENCING FACTORS

llergy to latex is on the rise among health care workers.The most common A reaction to latex is the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (ie, type IV), primarily related to accelerators in latex (eg, mercaptobenzothiazole, tetramethylthiuram) and other chemicals.'Severe and life-threatening anaphylactic reactions do occur and have been seen in our institution, although the incidence is infrequent.'Immediate and anaphylactic reactions (ie, type 1) appear to be an immunoglobulin E-(IgE) mediated response to soluble proteins found in latex.?Body sweat inside latex gloves may make latex proteins soluble; the solubilized proteins are then absorbed through skin, sensitizing the wearer to the foreign protein.Latex protein absorption through the skin is postulated as the major route of occupational exposure for health care worker^.^In addition, glove powder serves as a vector (ie, transport medium) for latex prot e i m 5 Airborne latex proteins bound to this powder may become inhaled antigens and can inoculate surgical tissue and contaminate suture material, instruments, drapes, or sponges.hAlthough solubilization of latex proteins from latex gloves is well recognized, it is not known how quickly the latex antigens are transferred