Prevention of latex allergy among health care workers: evaluation of the extractable latex protein content in different types of medical gloves.

Background: Since the 1980s, there has been increased use of latex gloves by health care workers and a concomitant increase of irritant and allergic reactions. The total protein content and the latex allergenic protein content in different types of medical gloves commonly used in our hospital were evaluated to acquire information useful for preventing latex allergy in our hospital personnel.

Methods: The total protein content and the allergic latex protein contents were evaluated with Lowry modified method and RAST inhibition assay in samples and extracts of 29 different types of medical gloves.