Conversion to Low-Protein, Powder-Free Surgical Gloves: Is it Worth the Cost?
With all the hubbub regarding the end-of-the-world potentially negative consequences of latex gloves, it might be useful to review the facts from a scientific perspective.
I concluded a study recently that determined changes in overall costs associated with conversion to powder free gloves including cost of workers’ compensation cases for natural rubber latex (NRL)-related symptoms and health care workers’ glove satisfaction.
The study (a 2-year, longitudinal design with retrospective and prospective aspects) was developed to determine health care worker use of powder-free, low-protein NRL gloves, sensitization, cost, and glove satisfaction. Informed consent was obtained from 103 health care workers.
Prior to glove conversion, nearly one-half (44%, 36 of 82) of the operating room staff reported symptoms related to NRL exposure. At the end of the 14-month data collection period, only 27% (22 of 82, McNemar test = .007) reported symptoms related to NRL exposure.
Additionally, a cost savings of $10,000 per year for gloves was evident with reports of increased user satisfaction. This study demonstrated that conversion to the use of powder-free, low-protein NRL gloves not only reduces health care worker NRL symptoms, but also positively affects the costs of glove purchases and workers’ compensation.
Latex allergy continues to be an occupational health problem for health care workers, causing symptoms ranging from skin reactions to anaphylaxis. The estimated costs associated with allergy to latex and powdered latex gloves are millions of dollars. The prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy is reported to be 3% to 22% among all health care workers.
An increased use of NRL has been noted to coincide with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for universal precautions and OSHA guidelines related to health care workers’ protection. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (1997) has recommended health care facilities convert to low-protein, low-powder or powder free latex gloves because the powder in latex gloves can act as a vector for latex allergen, leading to increased sensitization and symptoms.
The use of powdered surgical gloves by health care workers has also been identified as a potential contributor to surgical wound infections. Several investigators have documented the development of an inflammatory response associated with powder from latex gloves.
What does this mean for workplace application? Issues associated with latex allergies are important. The most cost effective solution is for employers to provide powder-free gloves to employees. The costs of workers compensation alone far outweigh the switching costs to powder-free gloves.
Denise M. Korniewicz, DNSc, RN, FAAN, is a Professor & Senior Associate Dean for Research, and Interim Assistant Dean of Student Services, Univertity of Miami.
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