Questionnaires to identify donors or staff who might have latex allergy

A facility in California uses a set of questions similar to those below to elicit evidence of latex allergy.

LATEX ALLERGY QUESTIONNAIRE

• When exposed to latex or rubber, do you suffer runny nose/eyes, wheezing, or shortness of breath?
• Do your hands “break out” within seconds to less than one hour of wearing latex/rubber gloves?
• Do your lips swell or tingle when you blow up balloons?
• Have you had unusual swelling after dental procedures, pelvic, or rectal exams, vaginal or prostatic ultrasound, barium enema, or condom use which was probably due to the use of latex products?
• Have you ever had multiple surgeries associated with spina bifida or repeated catheterizations for congenital urological defects?
• Do you have respiratory (wheezing, shortness of breath) reactions to tropical or stone (pitted) fruits (i.e., bananas, kiwis, chestnuts, avocados, cherries)?

Do any colleagues employ a similar set of questions to identify individuals with latex allergy, especially prospective blood donors who might be affected if they come in contact with latex gloves while making a blood donation, or employees who wear gloves in the donor center or transfusion service.

The following responses have been received.

ADDENDA Aug. 6, 2003

1. Editor's note: A related query has been posted previously on this forum.

ADDENDA Aug. 7, 2003

2. A colleague cautioned that some medical products may contain latex, and that caution warnings can be found in the package insert and/or on the box in which the product is packaged. For example, see the PDF letter from 3M.

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