Related Articles Prevalence of latex sensitization in subjects attending health screening: implications for a perioperative screening. Clin Exp Allergy. 1997 Apr;27(4):413-7 Authors: Porri F, Lemiere C, Birnbaum J, Guilloux L, Lanteaume A, Didelot R, Vervloet D, Charpin D BACKGROUND: Because latex is a common allergen, the rate of latex sensitization may be high in the general population. A major issue would then be to determine whether a systematic preoperative screening in the general population should be recommended. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of latex sensitization in a sample of the general population and to assess the role of possible risk factors. METHODS: The subjects were 258 people, aged from 20 to 40 yr, visiting a health care centre for a check-up. The protocol included: a questionnaire (occupation, symptoms of atopy, use of latex goods and possible reactions, history of previous surgery), a skin-prick test, and a CAP RAST to latex. Atopy was evaluated by a skin-prick test to common allergens and a Phadiatop test. RESULTS: Some 6.6% of the study group had either a positive skin test or a positive RAST to latex. These subjects had a four-fold higher prevalence of symptoms when wearing gloves. The rate of latex sensitization was higher by fivefold in subjects with a history of reactions to latex goods and by fourfold in atopic subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Because the rate of latex sensitization is much higher than the anticipated rate of perioperative reactions due to latex allergy, a systematic preoperative screening for latex allergy should not be recommended for adults. PMID: 9146934 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]