Prevalence of Latex Allergy among Anesthesiologists

Abstract

The prevalence of latex sensitization among anesthesiologists is high (12.5%). Of these, 10.1% had occult (asymptomatic) latex allergy. Hospital employees may be sensitized to latex even in the absence of perceived latex allergy symptoms. These data support the need to transform the health-care environment into a latex-safe one that minimizes latex exposure to patients and hospital staff.