Preventing Latex Allergy National Latex Allergy Awareness Week October 1-6, 2006 Workplace Hazards...
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Transcript of 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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
Why Try I have to ask Why Not? Loss of job Loss of income Loss of social life Loss of security Loss of life
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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]
Preventing Latex Allergy
Administrative Support CEO/COO CFO Physicians Infection Control Risk Management Human Resources Department Heads
Preventing Latex Allergy
Found in more than 40,000 commonly used products in Health Care Home Community
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
Major Contributors Home Condoms
Avanti Safe sex
Rubber Bands Won’t stretch Break easier
Clothing with elastic Cloth covering All cotton Sneakers
Preventing Latex Allergy
Major Contributors FoodsHigh Banana Avocado Chestnut
Moderate Kiwi Potato Tomato Papaya
Preventing Latex Allergy
Major Contributors Community Balloons Food Handlers Carpeting Toys Balls Bikes – handle covers Just about everything
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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
Preventing Latex Allergy
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