Introduction Show
Aim Definition of terms Assessment Key principles for inpatient management of patients with a known latex allergy Prevention and Management of exposure to latex Considerations for individual clinical areas
Important Points Documentation Companion Documents Links References Evidence Table IntroductionLatex allergy is an immune mediated reaction to either the latex protein or chemicals used in the processing. Frequent exposure to latex may lead to the development of a latex allergy. A person is considered to have a latex allergy if there is a history of adverse reactions following contact with latex or latex containing products. Common reactions include swelling of the lips and tongue after blowing up a balloon, or rash and swelling after contact with latex gloves etc. The diagnosis may be made in absence of formal allergy testing. Latex reaction thresholds in the allergic patient can vary. Some patients will tolerate latex skin contact, while others may have anaphylaxis to the residual latex powder in a ward. This means that while for some patients these guidelines are excessively cautious, they may not prevent serious reactions in all patients. At The Royal Children's Hospital all efforts are made to eliminate latex containing equipment, consumables and products. AimThe aim of this guideline is to provide all staff at The Royal Children's Hospital with appropriate knowledge and skills to identify and manage patients who have a known latex allergy or those at risk of developing latex allergy. Definition of Terms
AssessmentScreening for latex allergic/latex alert patients should occur:
Patients with a known latex allergy or a latex alert (high risk) should have this documented in the Allergies section of the EMR. Key principles for inpatient management of patients with a known latex allergy
When a patient with a known latex allergy is admitted to RCH relevant staff must be alerted to the patient’s latex allergy status. These include:
Patients with latex allergy will be identified by Medical, Nursing, and Allied health teams via EPIC allergy alert. All other relevant staff are notified at a ward level. Allergy list is visible to menu monitors and supervisors who are responsible for ensuring safe and appropriate meals are provided to patients. Main kitchen is latex free. The following staff should also be informed prior to having contact with the patient:
Ensure all relevant staff are aware of patients with a known latex allergy
prior to transferring or transporting them to another clinical department (i.e. theatre, medical imaging) Prevention Management of exposure to latexFurther detail is provided by the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. The most effective prevention strategy is to avoid exposure to latex. Patients with a known history of reactions to latex products will be placed on latex allergy precautions and should be managed in a latex safe environment as outlined below.(1) Immediate latex allergy precautions include:
Staff should be prepared to manage an acute allergic reaction, more information can be found on the Anaphylaxis Guideline. It is recommended all resuscitation equipment should be latex-free. All resuscitation trolleys should routinely have latex-free non-sterile and sterile gloves, circuits, masks, catheter mounts and oral airways.(1) Considerations for individual clinical areasIn addition to the above latex management/prevention precautions consider the following recommendations specific to some individual clinical areas at RCH including: Emergency DepartmentIt is recommended latex allergic and latex alert patients who present to the RCH Emergency
department notify staff as soon as possible. The RCH Emergency Department utilize latex free products where available (latex free list). Pre, intra and post-operative periods
NB: Powdered latex gloves
are not used at RCH. However it is recommended that if powdered latex gloves were used that the operating room is cleaned and free of powdered latex gloves for at least 3 hours. (1, 2)
Outpatients, Pathology, Medical ImagingLatex allergic/latex alert patients who attend outpatient areas (e.g. clinics, pathology and medical imaging) should be managed in an area that has been prepared according to the immediate latex prevention/management precautions. WallabyIt is recommended that any patients referred to Wallaby have it well documented on the referral form that they are allergic to latex. Staff must also carry and utilise latex free equipment when managing patients with a known latex allergy/latex; and also alert any subsequent community supports according to the immediate latex prevention/management precautions Important Points
DocumentationA patient's latex allergy status should be clearly identified and documented on the patient banner in the EMR. Companion Documents
LinksASCIA - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy References 1. Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (2010) Guidelines for the management of latex-allergic individuals in health care facilities and for the minimisation of continuing latex sensitisation. Evidence TableManagement of a patient at risk of or with a known latex allergy evidence table Please remember to read the disclaimer. The revision of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Debra Poole and Lilly Healey, Nurse Consultants, Allergy & Immunology, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated February 2021. |