Preventing Latex Allergy National Latex Allergy Awareness Week October 1-6, 2006 Workplace Hazards...

Preventing Latex Allergy

National Latex Allergy Awareness Week October 1-6, 2006

Workplace Hazards Conference – Marlboro MAJune 7, 2007

Presenter information

Linda Coulombe RN, BS, CNOR, CRCST Lancaster General Hospital

Lancaster PA 717-544-7345

[email protected]


Identify at least two reasons to go latex safe Identify at least two obstacles to conquer Identify at least two benefits to patient and

staff


Why Try I have to ask Why Not? Loss of job Loss of income Loss of social life Loss of security Loss of life


Background Pennsylvania first state to declare Latex

Allergy Awareness Week Week of October 4-10, 1998

1997 FDA received 1700 reports of latex reactions 16 deaths

NIOSH alert 1997 September 1998 FDA mandated latex label

on items


1998 FDA reported 29 Deaths due to Latex Allergy

Latex Glove Reactions 1999 FDA reported 2,330 latex reactions

[associated with latex glove reactions only] 5 deaths

1999 Food Code Annex Food preparation passed to sensitive persons

Preventing Latex Allergy Research Studies Show Latex Allergy 2001

20% Health Care workers 17% Nurses 6.7% Surgeons 38% Dental Care workers 34% Children undergone 3 or more surgeries 11% Rubber industry workers 6.8% individuals with other allergies 18 million Americans [6% of general pop]


Administrative Support CEO/COO CFO Physicians Infection Control Risk Management Human Resources Department Heads


Found in more than 40,000 commonly used products in Health Care Home Community


Major Contributors Health Care Gloves

Powder Too big/small Don’t stretch Don’t grasp

Catheters Not flexible Patient complains Use the silicon coated

Airways Won’t hold up to abuse


Major Contributors Health Care Elastic Wrap

Won’t stretch Won’t hold

IV Injection Port Only the port

Tourniquets Won’t stretch

Balloons Who cares – just a balloon

Preventing Latex AllergyMajor Contributors Home

Balloons Child’s parties powder

Gloves Cleaning Gardening

Pacifiers Starting young

Band-Aids Everyone loves a band aid


Major Contributors Home Condoms

Avanti Safe sex

Rubber Bands Won’t stretch Break easier

Clothing with elastic Cloth covering All cotton Sneakers


Major Contributors FoodsHigh Banana Avocado Chestnut

Moderate Kiwi Potato Tomato Papaya


Major Contributors Community Balloons Food Handlers Carpeting Toys Balls Bikes – handle covers Just about everything


Hospital Trials Education

First Complete Accurate

Change No one likes change Focus on the good differences

Conversions New products – look and feel different

Benefits Prevent latex sensitivity


It’s Our Responsibility To Screen Patients

Use Screening Tool Questionnaire Provide a safe environment for all

Harm to patient; wasted OR time; additional expense for

supplies Extended hospital stay


It’s the Facility’s Responsibility To Screen Employees Provide a safe environment for all Provide latex alternative products Provide counseling and testing Make the workplace home Policy & procedure for employees


What Can I Do? Ask for support – can’t do it alone Make sure you have the facts Know your rights JCAHO recommendations OSHA Recommendations Position Statements


Key Steps for Reducing Latex Allergy Get Latex out of the air

Latex free gloves Powder free gloves

Ban latex balloons Establish policy for hospital

Keep latex away from mucosa More quickly absorbed


Position Statements 2004 Patient Safety Authority PA position

statement American College of Surgeons position

statement on Latex Allergy American College of Allergy, Asthma &

Immunology position statement AORN position statement and Latex

Guideline


Q & A

And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

Thank you for helping to keep all customers safe

Preventing Latex Allergy National Latex Allergy Awareness Week October 1-6, 2006 Workplace Hazards...

Documents

Transcript of Preventing Latex Allergy National Latex Allergy Awareness Week October 1-6, 2006 Workplace Hazards...