Review Responsibilities: Nutritional Services
Effective Date: 09/08/99
Revised/Reviewed Date:

1. PURPOSE

   To evaluate inpatients who have cross-reactions to foods with a similar protein structure to natural rubber latex and implement appropriate dietary precautions.

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

   Individuals who are sensitive/allergic to latex may have a coexisting allergy to certain foods and food products. The most common of these foods are banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi, and other tropical fruits. The latex sensitivity may occur before, at the same time, or after the development of a food allergy. Not all patients with food allergies will be allergic to latex and not all patients with latex allergy will have food allergies.

3. SPECIFIC INFORMATION
   1. Identification
      1. A nutrition consult will automatically be ordered in WIZ when a patient with latex sensitivity is admitted to the hospital.
      2. Each inpatient with a nutrition consult will be screened within 24 hours of admission to identify possible food allergies.
   2. Prevention and Management
      1. Food Service staff will use non-latex gloves when preparing food for all inpatients.
      2. All patients on latex precautions will receive a latex allergy diet, which will limit the foods most highly associated with cross-reactions.
      3. Patients will be instructed to notify staff when signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to foods and/or latex occur.
4. EDUCATION FAMILY/PATIENT
   1. A. Educate patient regarding foods to avoid to prevent cross-reactions and to identify symptoms of an allergic reaction.
   2. Provide written diet education material printed from WIZ.
5. DOCUMENTATION

   Food allergies will be documented in the patient's medical chart under Medical Nutrition Therapy.

6. REFERENCES

   Griter, M. The Latex Threat. AJN. 98:26-33, Sept. 1998.

   Ketcham, J. All About Latex Allergies: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know & Should Know. CBORD UserNews.

   Sussman, G., and Gold, M. Guidelines for the Management of Latex Allergies and Safe Latex Use in Health Care Facilities. http://allergy.mcg.edu/physicians/latex.html.

   Information from Your Family Doctor. http://www.aafp.org/patientinfo/latexallergy.html.

7. ENDORSEMENT

   /S/ Cynthia Broadhurst          9/8/99
     Approved by               Date

© 1999 Vanderbilt University Medical Center
URL: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/pcs/quality/latex/nutri_pol.html
Last Modified: Thursday, November 11, 1999
mary.gaines@mcmail.Vanderbilt.Edu