Allergenic Proteins in Different Brands of Latex and Synthetic Medical Examination Gloves

Abstract

SummaryThe steady increase in anaphylactic reactions to latex medical gloves has raised increasing awarenessn the medical community. Even gloves claimed to be hypo-allergenic still may contain substantial amounts of IgE-binding proteins. We have studied non-powdered latex and synthetic examination glove extracts for their allergenicity using the immunoblot technique. Protein levels varied considerably among glove extracts and the amount did not always correlate with the presence of allergenic proteins. IgE binding proteins were found in 2 of the 7 powder-free latex glove brands. Synthetic glove extracts did not contain allergens. The study demonstrates that immunoblot analysis is a useful technique in order to select gloves with a minimal risk to raise IgE antibodies.