Dr. David Bernstein explains latex allergy and how allergy testing can detect whether you are allergic to latex. Information from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Latex allergy, a mind map diagram (click to enlarge).
An approach to performing a test for immediate hypersensitivity to latex:
1. Prick test with the solution obtained from a soaked latex glove left in saline for one hour. Await 15 minutes.
2. If test 1. is negative, place a wet latex glove on the arm for 15 minutes.
3. If there is no response to test 2., prick through the wet latex glove. Await 15 minutes.
4. Simultaneously draw an ELISA for IgE-anti-latex (ImmunoCAP). Await the results of the ELISA before clearing for the surgical procedure.
Evaluation of patient with possible latex allergy. AAAAI Ask the Expert, 2012.
Related reading:
Latex Allergy: Brief Review
How to Diagnose Latex Allergy
Latex Medical Gloves: Time for a Reappraisal. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011;156:234-246 (DOI: 10.1159/000323892).
Contact dermatitis to latex surgical gloves? There are limited choices for non-latex gloves: vinyl or nitrile. AAAAI, 2011.
Latex immunotherapy: state of the art. Guidelines do not consider allergy to latex as indication to desensitization http://goo.gl/j5UaA