Latex, k82
Commercial natural rubber latex (NRL) is a milky intracellular juice (with a protein content of 2-3%) produced by the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis and collected by the rubber harvesting method.
It is used in the manufacture of several everyday goods such as catheters, cannulas, gloves, endotracheal tubes, bottles with a pierced septum, bandages, masks for anesthesia, condoms, balloons, swimming caps, rubber boots, etc.
Latex allergy is one of the serious allergies associated with occupational exposure, and high-risk groups may include healthcare workers (HCW), children with spina bifida, and those who have undergone multiple surgeries. In addition, people using latex products, such as cleaners, catering workers, hairdressers, condom users, and rubber industry workers, are also at higher risk of latex allergies.
Preventing contact with latex remains the gold standard for the treatment of latex allergies, which can be achieved by switching from the use of powdered gloves to non-powdered gloves or synthetic gloves.
The main route of exposure to latex is direct contact with the skin or mucous membrane or inhalation. The clinical manifestations of type IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to latex can vary significantly from person to person and mainly depend on the route of exposure, the amount of allergen and personal factors. These manifestations mainly include hives or itching of the skin, and can also lead to angioedema, asthma, or even systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis, while patients in the operating room most often experience a rash or bronchoconstriction or even cardiovascular collapse due to direct contact with latex proteins.
To date, 15 allergenic components (Hev b 1-15) have been identified and officially published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Subcommittee on Allergen Nomenclature of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) for latex. Hev b 1 and Hev b 3 are reported to be the main allergens in children with spina bifida, while Hev b 5 and Hev b 6 are the main allergens in healthcare workers. Latex food syndrome is a cross-reactivity syndrome observed between latex proteins and a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cereals, which has been reported in approximately 30-50% of patients with latex allergies.
Determination of specific IgE in human blood to - Latex, k82, shows the body's reaction to a given allergen.
Analysis method: ImmunoCAP method (Immunofluorescence in the solid phase)
Units of measurement: kU/l
Biomaterial for analysis: venous blood