Latex Sensitivity Management: Policies & Procedures | Staff Education | Patient Care Information | Product Information | References
 
 
Respiratory Care Policy and Procedure Manual
Section: A - Departmental Policies
Date Effective: 05/25/99
Date Revised:

Latex Allergy Management in Respiratory Care

  1. Policy:

    2. All patients who have been identified as latex sensitive/allergic will receive respiratory care using latex free equipment/supplies.
     

  2. General Information:
Natural rubber latex has been used in health care for nearly 100 years. The number of reported cases of latex allergy has risen sharply only within the past decade. Latex antigen exposure can occur by cutaneous, percutaneous, mucosal, parental, and aerosolized routes. The patient may experience mild symptoms such as itching, hives, and redness to more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and airway constriction (these symptoms can be the result from inhaling latex particles that are in the air or introduced by direct contact). The first treatment goal is prevention.

The following patient groups require latex precautions:
      1. known latex allergy
      2. spina bifida including myelomeningocele and sacral or lumbosacral agenis
      3. congenital urological anomalies such as cloaca or bladder extrophy
      4. who have been medically advised to avoid latex
III. Specific Information:
    1. Identification
When Respiratory Care Department staff are consulted, the need for latex precautions shall be verbally communicated and documented on the treatment/ventilator board with a red marker. The staff shall also check for the following identifiers:
      1. Inpatients:
        1. purple latex precaution sticker on I.D. bracelet
        2. purple latex precaution sticker on chart
        3. documentation of latex sensitivity on hand written or computer generated requisition and referral slips
        4. purple latex precaution sign on door
      1. Outpatients:
        1. purple latex precaution sticker on patient
        2. purple latex precaution sticker on chart
        3. documentation of latex sensitivity on hand written or computer generated requisition and referral slips
    1. Reaction Prevention and Management
When the patient is found to be at risk, the staff shall follow the guidelines listed below.
      1. Wash hands before contact with patient.
      2. Use latex free gloves, equipment and supplies.

        3.   Note: Wrap stethoscopes that contain latex with gauze or an adhesive compression dressing to prevent contact with patient's skin.
      3. If contact with a latex product cannot be avoided consult physician.
      4. Monitor all patients during procedures for signs and symptoms of latex reaction including nasal, eye, or sinus irritation; hives; shortness of breath; coughing; wheezing; or unexplained shock.
  1. Treatment for an Anaphylactic Reaction:
      1. Have someone notify MD immediately.
      2. Provide 100% oxygen, with a non-re-breathing mask for patients spontaneously breathing, or use bag and mask for those requiring ventilatory assistance.
      3. Nebulize 0.5 ml Albuterol in 2.5 mIs N/S.
  1. Product Information:

    2. The following products in the Respiratory Care Department contain latex:
    Product name
    Contains Latex
    		 Latex free substitute
    Intertech Neonatal Hyperinflation bag #8030
    X
    		 Meridian #1050
    Disp one-way valve #1800
    X
    		 None
    Vent. Monitoring kit weaning valve #1504
    X
    		 None

  2. Documentation:
Respiratory staff shall document the following when caring for a latex sensitive/allergic patient.
    1. Procedures indicating use of latex free supplies along with usual documentation requirements.
    2. Any latex reaction and intervention.

Approved by: /s/ Don L. Adair                      5/25/99

              Technical Director                   Date

© 1999 Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Last Modified: Monday, November 8, 1999
URL: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/pcs/quality/latex/resp.html
mary.gaines@mcmail.Vanderbilt.Edu