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Latex Sensitivity: Difference between revisions
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[[Safety]] | [[Deadly Weapon]] | [[Shipping Hazardous Materials]] | [[Latex Sensitivity]] | [[Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure]] | [[Waste Handling]] | [[Portable Space Heaters]] | [[Children in the Workplace]] | [[Pets in the Workplace]] | [[Tuberculosis Exposure]] | [[Food, Drinks and Cosmetic Use in Laboratory Areas]] | [[Medical Surveillance]] | [[Threat Assessment and Management Team]] | [[Safety Policy]] | [[Deadly Weapon]] | [[Shipping Hazardous Materials]] | [[Latex Sensitivity]] | [[Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure]] | [[Waste Handling]] | [[Portable Space Heaters]] | [[Children in the Workplace]] | [[Pets in the Workplace]] | [[Tuberculosis Exposure]] | [[Food, Drinks and Cosmetic Use in Laboratory Areas]] | [[Medical Surveillance]] | [[Threat Assessment and Management Team]] | ||
<br />Policy No.: '''2003''' | <br />Policy No.: '''2003''' | ||
<br />Effective Date: '''05/15/01''' | <br />Effective Date: '''05/15/01''' | ||
<br />Revised Date: '''12/ | <br />Revised Date: '''12/03/12''' | ||
<br />Reviewed Date: '''12/03/12''' | <br />Reviewed Date: '''12/03/12''' | ||
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===Patient Care=== | ===Patient Care=== | ||
* All Patient Care areas shall: | * All Patient Care areas shall: | ||
:*Institute a screening process to identify patients who are latex sensitive. The screening process includes the use of the [http:// | :*Institute a screening process to identify patients who are latex sensitive. The screening process includes the use of the [http://unmc.edu/policy/index.cfm?L1_ID=18&L2_ID=20&CONREF=85 Latex Sensitivity Screening Questionnaire for Patients]. | ||
:*Implement procedures to minimize risk to latex sensitive patients. | :*Implement procedures to minimize risk to latex sensitive patients. | ||
:*Develop a method to alert staff, on an ongoing basis, regarding patients with latex sensitivity/allergy or those identified as being in a [[#Risk_Groups|high risk]] group for latex allergy. | :*Develop a method to alert staff, on an ongoing basis, regarding patients with latex sensitivity/allergy or those identified as being in a [[#Risk_Groups|high risk]] group for latex allergy.</li> | ||
:*Assess the environment to identify products and equipment containing latex and identify alternative products and equipment. | :*Assess the environment to identify products and equipment containing latex and identify alternative products and equipment. | ||
*Patients with a known allergic response to latex exposure or identified as being in a [ | *Patients with a known allergic response to latex exposure or identified as being in a [http://unmc.edu/policy/index.cfm?L1_ID=18&L2_ID=20&CONREF=22#risk high-risk] group for latex allergy shall be placed on "Latex Precautions." | ||
*[http:// | *[http://unmc.edu/policy/index.cfm?L1_ID=18&L2_ID=20&CONREF=86 Signs about latex sensitivity] shall be posted in waiting areas of ambulatory care and diagnostic care areas. These signs shall be designed to alert patients and their family members to notify staff if they are latex sensitive. | ||
===Employee Education/Awareness=== | ===Employee Education/Awareness=== | ||
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*Reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves can result from either irritation or allergy. There are three possible reactions to NRL gloves. They are: | *Reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves can result from either irritation or allergy. There are three possible reactions to NRL gloves. They are: | ||
:*Mechanical or Irritant Contact Dermatitis – this is an irritation, not a true allergy. This is the most common reaction to NRL gloves. Because of the intense focus on latex allergy today, many individuals who experience irritant contact dermatitis assume they are experiencing a latex allergy. It is very important to assess reactions carefully to determine their cause so that the right treatment can be implemented. | :*Mechanical or Irritant Contact Dermatitis – this is an irritation, not a true allergy. This is the most common reaction to NRL gloves. Because of the intense focus on latex allergy today, many individuals who experience irritant contact dermatitis assume they are experiencing a latex allergy. It is very important to assess reactions carefully to determine their cause so that the right treatment can be implemented. | ||
:*Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Delayed, or Type IV Hypersensitivity) - a true allergic response, symptoms are localized to area of contact with allergen. | :*Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Delayed, or Type IV Hypersensitivity)- a true allergic response, symptoms are localized to area of contact with allergen. | ||
:*Systemic Allergic Response (Immediate or Type I Hypersensitivity) - the most severe allergic response, an intense allergic reaction which may cause anaphylaxis and death. | :*Systemic Allergic Response (Immediate or Type I Hypersensitivity) - the most severe allergic response, an intense allergic reaction which may cause anaphylaxis and death. | ||
*The table below describes each type of reaction: | *The table below describes each type of reaction: | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| style="width: 30%;"|Not an allergic reaction | | align="top" style="width: 30%;"|Not an allergic reaction | ||
Symptoms do not extend past area of glove contact | Symptoms do not extend past area of glove contact | ||
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Symptoms may extend past glove border | Symptoms may extend past glove border | ||
Symptoms occur much later than with mechanical/irritant contact dermatitis, usually 6-72 hours after gloves removed | Symptoms occur much later than with mechanical/ irritant contact dermatitis, usually 6-72 hours after gloves removed | ||
acute - red appearance, itching, swelling, small blisters | acute - red appearance, itching, swelling, small blisters | ||
chronic - dry, thickened skin; crusting; scabbing sores; papules, peeling, vesicles<br /> | chronic - dry, thickened skin; crusting; scabbing sores; papules, peeling, vesicles<br /> | ||
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| style="width: 30%;"| IgE mediated | | style="width: 30%;"| IgE mediated | ||
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For additional information, contact | For additional information, contact the Safety Operations Department | ||
< | <p>[http://unmc.edu/policy/index.cfm?L1_ID=18&L2_ID=20&CONREF=85 Latex Sensitivity Screening Questionnaire for Patients]</p> | ||
[http:// | <p>This is a new policy.</p> | ||
< | <p>This page updated on Tuesday, December 30, 2003, by [http://mailto:dpanowic@unmc.edu dkp].</p> | ||
< | |||
<p>This page | |||