Latex precautions for tissue

AORN Journal,  June, 2004  by Dawn Stevens,  Doreen Shore,  Susan Fetzer

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Editor's note: Although the letters column typically is reserved for letters about articles appearing, in the AORN Journal, the following letter was submitted recently. After review by the Journal editors and members of AORN's Center for Nursing Practice, it was decided to publish this letter, particularly in light of the ongoing debate on latex allergy in the health care industry, which is reported on regularly in the pages of the AORN Journal.

A Patient with severe latex allergy was having an orthopedic procedure in the surgical suite of a community-based hospital. During the procedure, the surgeon requested a bone allograft and asked whether it was latex free. The circulating nurse responded initially that human tissue is latex free. On reflection, however, the nurse questioned the latex-free environment during recovery, handling, and packaging of the allograft tissue. After discussion, the surgeon opted not to use the allograft. Subsequently, the nurse contacted a number of tissue banks, and all admitted that they routinely use latex gloves for tissue handling; however, these same facilities promoted their packaging materials as latex free.

Tissue recovered using latex gloves can acquire latex protein deposits. Processing does not sterilize the tissue nor has it been established that sterile processing can denature latex proteins. 'lb date, regulatory agencies in the United States have not taken a position on the use of latex gloves during tissue handling. The US Food and Drug Administration regulates the use of latex in devices only and not in tissue. The American Association of Tissue Banking (ATTB), a voluntary accrediting agency, does not have a standard regarding latex-free tissue handling. AORN and the American Nurses Association (ANA) do not have position statements that deal with tissue preparation in a latex-free environment.

Latex allergies have been responsible for deaths during health care procedures. Although there have been no published reports of latex-induced anaphylaxis from tissue transplants, the risk is present. Perioperative nurses must be aware of current tissue handling practices when they participate in procedures to implant tissue and bone allografts. It is nurses' responsibility as safe practitioners to provide a sale environment for all patients. We urge AORN, the ANA, and the AATB to partner in investigating and developing a position statement regarding this critical issue.

DAWN STEVENS

RN, CNOR

CLINICAL COORDINATOR

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

ELLIOT HOSPITAL

MANCHESTER, NH

DOREEN SHORE

RN, MBA, CNOR

DIRECTOR, PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES

ELLIOT HOSPITAL

MANCHESTER, NH

SUSAN FETZER

RN, PHD

PRESIDENT

NEW HAMPSHIRE NURSES ASSOCIATION

CONCORD, NH

COPYRIGHT 2004 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group