Measurement of airborne latex allergens.

A method for the standardized sampling and quantification of aeroallergens was developed. It proved suitable for the analysis of allergen loads in a variety of medical settings. Several studies demonstrate that the use of powdered allergenic latex gloves leads to a significant aeroallergen load which is responsible for IgE-mediated rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and conjunctivitis in health care workers. Only nonpowdered latex gloves with low or no allergen content should therefore be used. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).