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BACKGROUND Rubber latex hypersensitivity is an important concern for health care workers. OBJECTIVE The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in collaboration with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, conducted a multicenter study of the prevalence of latex-specific IgE antibodies among United States hospital personnel. METHODS Nine hospitals participated in the cross-sectional study. A total of 504 hospital personnel completed questionnaires that provided an array of demographic, occupational, and clinical information, including a history, if any, of allergies and the use of latex and nonlatex gloves. More than three-quarters (76.5%) of the participants were tested for total IgE and latex specific IgE. RESULTS A total of 21 (5.5%, 95% CI = 3%-7%) of the tested participants were positive for the presence of latex specific IgE antibodies, defined as a latex IgE level of > or = 0.6 ng/mL. Latex specific IgE antibodies were more prevalent in participants who reported tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, or wheezing associated with latex gloves (Odds Ratio = 10.2, 95% CI = 3.7-28.6). CONCLUSIONS The study's results suggest that the prevalence of latex-specific IgE antibodies among hospital personnel is appreciable and these personnel and their health care providers should be aware of this entity.
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T P Gross, and
R G Hamilton, and
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J T Arrowsmith-Lowe, and
R M Moore
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R G Kaczmarek, and
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E Kessler, and
J T Arrowsmith-Lowe, and
R M Moore
February 2000,
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R G Kaczmarek, and
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Allergie et immunologie,
R G Kaczmarek, and
B G Silverman, and
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Infection control : IC,
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Australian and New Zealand journal of medicine,
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B G Silverman, and
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R M Moore
January 1995,
American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine,
R G Kaczmarek, and
B G Silverman, and
T P Gross, and
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J T Arrowsmith-Lowe, and
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January 1999,
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