Latex Allergy Survival Kit


latex allergy survival kit


My son, Sean, has a Type 1 hypersensitivity to Hevea natural rubber latex. Because health care providers, including emergency medical personnel, are often unprepared to safely treat or care for a latex-sensitive patient, I have put together a ‘tackle box’ of latex-free alternatives to some commonly-used medical products and some items Sean in particular might require. I carry it with us as needed. Crucial items such as emergency medications are with him at all times, in his wheelchair bag. And he always wears his MedicAlert® bracelet, warning of his severe allergy to natural rubber latex.

I also have a thin three-ring binder that contains a letter from his allergist about his latex allergy, his individualized emergency guidelines, a copy of the latest national latex product list with non-latex alternatives listed, laminated latex precautions signs, “no latex” stickers, and a sample latex allergy protocol.

The items needed in such a kit will vary somewhat from individual to individual, of course, but below are the contents of Sean’s ‘tackle box’ (a bright yellow Rubbermaid tool box, decorated with a colorful no-latex sticker). It is by no means comprehensive, but it has often come in handy, and I add items to it as I happen to acquire them.

Although I have researched the content of the products below and feel confident in using them on my son, I strongly recommend double-checking with the manufacturer/supplier of any item before use with an individual who has, or is at high risk for, latex allergy.


  • EpiPens
  • Liquid Benadryl
  • Terumo disposable syringes
  • MIC-KEY feeding tube extension set
  • 3M Tempa·DOT Plus Thermometers
  • Critikon Soft-Cuf (BP cuff)
  • Disposable stethoscope
  • “No-latex” button to wear
  • 3M Transpore tape
  • Kendall Q-Tips Single Tipped Applicators
  • Medline Avant Gauze Drain Sponges
  • Non-latex gloves (various sizes and materials; sterile and non-sterile)
  • ScopeCoat (cover for stethoscope)
  • Kid Care adhesive bandages and 3M Nexcare Comfort Bandages 572-30
  • Tourniquets
  • Disposable prophy angles
  • Cal Stat Hand Sanitizer
  • Kendall Dover 100% Silicone Foley Catheter
  • Mentor Urinary Catheterization System
  • Pro-Tect Safety Dressings
  • Osco vinyl ear syringe
  • Business cards with the URL for Latex Allergy Links
  • Plasti Bands
  • Stockinette






Table of Contents

Latex Allergy Links — Main Menu

Latex Allergy Links Message Board

Toys & Baby Products — Manufacturers’ Phone Numbers

Latex Gloves in Food Operations PDF
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Sep 07 2001

Ever more complex;
Lawsuits and increasing regulation mount as argument over NR latex policies rages

Miles Moore Rubber & Plastics News Jul 30 2001

Living With Latex: Where to be alert for latex
Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital

Handle with care
Ben Van Houten Restaurant Business Aug 01 2000

Allergenic Cross-Reactivity of Latex and Foods
Greer Labs Technical Bulletin #10 Jan 05 2000

Latex Allergy: Another Real Y2K Issue
Lisa M. Jennings, RN CRRN Rehabilitation Nursing Jul/Aug 1999

Potential for Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products
OSHA Technical Information Bulletin Apr 12 1999

Looking Out for Latex
Sandra A. Holmes Science and Children Feb 1999

The Vow of Silence
Marianne McAndrew Journal of Nursing Administration Feb 1999

The legal implications of latex allergy
Peter Kohn RN Jan 1999

Latex Allergy: Everyone’s Concern
Lawrence D. Duffield, DDS Journal of the Michigan Dental Association Jun 1998

Allergen Content of Latex Gloves.
A Market Surveillance Study of Medical Gloves Used in Finland in 1997

Palosuo, Turjanmaa, & Reinikka-Railo

User Facility Reporting Bulletin
selected articles FDA Fall 1997

Latex Allergy Alert
Christine Ozment Exceptional Parent Oct 1997

Latex gloves hand health workers a growing worry
Margaret Veach American Medical News Oct 13 1997

Living with Latex
Lisa Legge Nursing Minnesota Aug 1997

Research Review:
Association between latex sensitization and repeated latex exposure in children

Victoria M. Steelman RN, PhD(c), CNOR AORN Journal Jul 1997

Latex allergy: How safe are your gloves?
Kenneth K. Meyer, MD, FACS and Donald H. Beezhold, PhD
American College of Surgeons Bulletin Jul 1997

User Facility Reporting Bulletin
FDA Spring 1997

Latex allergy among staff poses major headache for hospitals
Meredith Goad Press Herald Portland, ME May 06 1997

Oregon picks up latex glove controversy
Patrick O’Neill The Oregonian Portland, OR Apr 21 1997

Facilities react to growing number of allergies to latex
Linda L. Mullen South Bend Tribune South Bend, IN Apr 13 1997

Growing number of HCWs developing dangerous reactions to latex
Liz Kowalczyk The Patriot Ledger Quincy, MA Apr 01 1997

Shriners Hospital Stops Using Latex
Pat Cahill Springfield Union Springfield, MA Mar 07 1997

Latex Allergy and Contraception
The Contraception Report Patient Update Mar 1997

Is Latex Paint Hazardous To Latex Allergy Sufferers?
Don Groce Latex Allergy News Oct 1996

Cotton, Nylon, Lycra Spandex and Allergies
Don Groce Latex Allergy News Sep 1996

Paving, Asphalt, Tires & Latex Allergies
Don Groce Latex Allergy News Aug 1996

Special Bulletin: Latex Allergy
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Q & A: Latex Allergies
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Preguntas y Respuestas: Alergias al Látex
Asociación Americana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología

Latex Allergy Survival Kit
Nancy Mitchell 1996

Downloadable/Printable Latex Allergy Signs
For personal, non-commercial use only

Archives
Pre-1996 FDA documents
Miscellaneous legislative and other documents




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