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Article: Latex protein allergy and your choice of gloves: a balanced consideration.
- Article from:
- MedSurg Nursing
- Article date:
- February 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Jannetti Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Due to the lack of protective devices in the past, health care professionals often risked exposure to viral transmission and infectious diseases. Not until the 19th century were natural rubber gloves used by doctors and nurses as two-way barriers, protecting both health care personnel and their patients against viral transmission and infectious fluids (Miller, 1982). Even today, natural rubber gloves are considered to be the best protective devices available in the health care industry because of their low penetration and leakage rates, excellent tactile properties, durability, and low cost (Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 1997).
With the adoption of standard ...