Children's Eliminates Powdered Gloves From Operating and Recovery Rooms
CINCINNATI -- Children's Hospital Medical Center is one of the first hospitals in the Cincinnati area to have eliminated all powdered gloves from its operating rooms, recovery rooms and other surgical areas.
Latex allergy is a reaction to proteins found in natural rubber latex, and powder on gloves is the main carrier of latex proteins in the air. Allergic responses can range from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
"Latex allergy is an ever-increasing occupational hazard," says anesthesiologist Eric Wittkugel, M.D., who is himself latex allergic. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of healthcare providers are allergic to latex, with the number steadily growing.
Manufacturers use powder to line latex gloves so they are easier to slip on. The powder -- most often cornstarch powder -- was thought to be harmless, but it is now known that latex proteins bind to and are carried by the powder. As the powder is dispersed into the air, people breathe it and absorb the latex proteins.
Since healthcare workers are exposed on a daily basis, they are most at risk for developing sensitivity to latex. In addition, sensitivity to latex is cumulative, so that with increased exposure, allergic reactions intensify. "It is a progressive problem that can end careers," says Dr. Wittkugel.
"By converting to a powder-free environment, Cincinnati Children's has assumed a leadership role in improving the health of patients and employees," says Denise Nyberg, R.N., materials manager, perioperative services, who spearheaded the switch to powder-free gloves. Perioperative services are those done just before, during and after surgery.
As materials manager for perioperative services, Nyberg wrestled with the issue of what type of glove to stock for the area. She found well documented and demonstrated benefits for using natural rubber latex gloves rather than other available synthetics. The choice was made to convert to powder-free, low-protein latex gloves.
"Our powder-free partners, Regent Medical and SafeSkin, are committed to providing premium quality powder-free medical gloves and responding to the changing needs of today's health-care practices," says Nyberg.
Dr. Wittkugel says he is pleased that perioperative services has taken a proactive position in protecting the health of employees and patients. "We are doing what is right and best to protect our most precious resource -- our people."
Shriners Burns Institute is believed to be the only other hospital in the area to have eliminated the use of powdered gloves.
Cincinnati Children's latex safety committee, chaired by Curtis Sheldon, M.D., director of pediatric urology, is encouraging the use of powder-free latex gloves throughout the hospital.
There are no mandated standards regarding low-protein, powder-free latex gloves, but their use has been endorsed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American Nurses Association, and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Contact Information
Jim Feuer,
jfeuer@chmcc.org
