Latex Allergy Management - For Staff



Canberra Hospital and Health ServicesClinical Procedure Latex Allergy Management – For StaffContents TOC \h \z \t "Heading 1,1" Contents PAGEREF _Toc494970041 \h 1Purpose PAGEREF _Toc494970042 \h 2Scope PAGEREF _Toc494970043 \h 2Section 1 – Types of Reactions PAGEREF _Toc494970044 \h 2Section 2 – Latex Allergy Management PAGEREF _Toc494970045 \h 3Section 3 – Response to Allergic Reaction PAGEREF _Toc494970046 \h 4Implementation PAGEREF _Toc494970047 \h 4Related Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and Legislation PAGEREF _Toc494970048 \h 4References PAGEREF _Toc494970049 \h 5Definition of Terms PAGEREF _Toc494970050 \h 5Search Terms PAGEREF _Toc494970051 \h 5PurposeACT Health recognises that its staff, in the course of their work, may be exposed to latex, which has the potential to create an allergic reaction in some individuals.This procedure aims to provide guidance in the management and minimisation of adverse effects to latex exposure among staff of the Canberra Hospital and Health Services (CHHS). Back to Table of ContentsScopeThis procedure applies to all ACT Health staff, which includes all CHHS employees, students on clinical placement, volunteers, and contracted staff. It should be read in conjunction with Management of Anaphylaxis in Adults and Children Clinical Guideline.Refer to Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Clinical Procedure for additional details of latex allergy management for patients.Back to Table of ContentsSection 1 – Types of ReactionsA range of latex products including wound drains, airways, stethoscope tubing, and gloves may be used in the health care setting.Persons with latex allergy may react in a number of ways displaying signs and symptoms and can range from mild (redness/itching) to severe (anaphylaxis). Although there is no cure for latex allergy, prompt diagnosis and management can significantly minimise the risk of serious reaction. Latex allergies are classified into two major types:Immediate hypersensitivity – This is an immune response that typically has an immediate reaction (within 5-30 minutes of initial contact). Symptoms can include asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, orbit oedema, lip oedema, and anaphylaxis. Delayed hypersensitivity – This is an immune reaction that takes place several hours after initial contact (within 6-48 hours). Common symptoms include erythema, swelling, cracking, itching, weeping, and dryness of the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis – This is a non-allergic reaction, typically occurring in frequent glove users. The reaction may appear within minutes to hours of glove contact. Signs may include redness, chapping, chafing, drying, and scaling and cracking. This condition may not be necessarily attributable to contact with latex, as other products (e.g. household cleaning supplies) may also be responsible for this type of dermatitis. Back to Table of Contents Section 2 – Latex Allergy ManagementManagers Responsibilities It is not practical or feasible to totally remove all latex products from the hospital environment. However, there are some key elements to reducing the likelihood of developing sensitivity to latex. In most areas of CHHS, non‐powdered latex gloves are available for use, thus reducing the incidence of the inhalation of latex proteins. Management of latex allergy requires identifying the problem and taking appropriate actions to protect both patients and healthcare workers.? Management includes:Identifying and protecting employees at risk.Determining whether certain employees are at higher risk.Accommodating employees with allergies by sourcing latex free equipment where possible/organising work duties with consideration to exposure. Educating and raising awareness among patients and employees.Employee Responsibilities Healthcare workers with a confirmed latex allergy should follow these steps to help reduce symptoms and future exposure:Ensure that your manager (and co-workers if appropriate) is aware of your allergy. Avoid contact with latex products. Use non-latex gloves only. Avoid areas where powdered latex gloves or other latex products are used and dispensed. Wear a medic-alert bracelet indicating latex allergy. Seek treatment for allergy if required (see section 3). If possible, request to be transferred to a latex safe environment defined as areas in which non-latex products are used and latex proteins have been removed from the environment.? Note All gloves used by staff also need to be evaluated for effectiveness (i.e. appropriate barrier protection). Given that latex gloves are the main source of latex allergies, high-quality non-powdered, low protein gloves should be used as standard across all healthcare settings.Back to Table of Contents Section 3 – Response to Allergic ReactionIf staff develop a reaction after being exposed to latex, they should seek immediate medical attention suitable to reaction severity. For people with known allergic reactions, they should follow their normal allergy plan. Minor reactions: Affected staff member should remove themselves from immediate contact with latex, wash affected area in cold running water, and take an oral antihistamine. They should report their reaction to line manager and fellow staff. Anaphylaxis: Assess airway, breathing, circulation and commence Basic Life Support (BLS) protocolsAdminister adrenaline (Epipen or Anapen) by intramuscular injectionNever leave staff member aloneCall for Emergency response:At Canberra Hospital – Dial “8” and call “Code Blue”Offsite or at Community Health Centres – Dial “0-000” to call the ACT Ambulance ServiceContinue emergency care until emergency team/ambulance arrivesDocument all interventions Complete Riskman reportBack to Table of Contents Implementation This procedure will be communicated to all staff through an all staff DDG CHHS email and communicated through line managers. Back to Table of ContentsRelated Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and LegislationProceduresHealthcare Associated Infections Clinical ProcedureMultiple Chemical Sensitivities Clinical ProcedureGuidelinesManagement of Anaphylaxis in Adults and Children Clinical GuidelineLegislationWork Health and Safety Act 2011Back to Table of ContentsReferencesAustralian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (2015) ASCIA Latex Allergy. Retrieved from: NHMRC (2010) Australian Guideline for Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. Commonwealth of Australia. , H. (2001) latex Sensitivity and Allergy raising Awareness in Australian, Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 18(3): 40-5NSW Department of Health Circular (PD2005_490): Latex Allergy – policy framework and guidelines for prevention and management. 2005HYPERLINK \l "Contents"Back to Table of ContentsDefinition of Terms Latex allergy: an immune response by the body to certain proteins in latex rubber to which is has become hypersensitive.Back to Table of ContentsSearch Terms Latex, Allergy, Staff, Gloves, Hypersensitive, Reaction, ManagementBack to Table of ContentsDisclaimer: This document has been developed by ACT Health, Canberra Hospital and Health Service specifically for its own use. Use of this document and any reliance on the information contained therein by any third party is at his or her own risk and Health Directorate assumes no responsibility whatsoever.Date AmendedSection AmendedApproved By August 2017Section 1,2 and 3ED/CHHSPC Chair ................
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