Summary

Latex products are used in various occupations. In recent years there has been an increasing incidence of acquired allergy to natural rubber latex proteins among health professionals, dental workers, children with spina bifida, and patients with history of frequent mucosal contact with natural rubber products. The problem of reaction to latex products is sometimes severe and occasionally fatal.

Natural rubber is extracted from Hevea brasiliensis. To increase the elasticity of rubber products, latex extract is chemically cross linked during the manufacturing process. As a result of the manufacturing process of latex, a small amount of water soluble proteins of natural rubber may remain in the end products. Allergic reactions to latex products are caused by interactions between specific IgE antibodies in sensitized individuals and latex proteins. Immediate reactions to latex products include systemic urticaria, rhinitis, bronchospasm, conjunctivities, and, in severe conditions, anaphylaxis. Occupational exposure to potentially allergic latex materials is preventable. Individuals who wish to minimize the possibility of adverse reactions to latex products must learn about latex and the degree of their sensitivity to latex products.

Since it is currently difficult to eliminate all latex containing products from the environment, high risk individuals have to confirm their sensitivity to latex products and protect themselves against latex exposure. In addition, since cross-reactivity between latex and certain foods such as banana, avocado, chestnut, and kiwi has been reported, testing individuals for latex allergy may provide an index to the above-mentioned food allergies.

Skin testing for latex allergy has safety concerns for the patient; therefore, a simple in vitro test system containing specific allergens is useful for the identification of high risk individuals. MDI Latex Test is a simple EIA assay, which is performed in micro wells. MDI Latex Test utilizes a small volume of patient serum specimens, and the results are obtained in less than three hours.