How should latex allergy risk be assessed and mitigated in the operating room?

• A. Screen at intake
• B. Designate latex-free equipment
• C. Ensure team communication to avoid latex exposure
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Minimizing latex allergy risk in the operating room relies on a coordinated approach that identifies risk, eliminates latex-containing supplies, and ensures clear team communication. Screening at intake catches patients with known latex allergy or high risk (prior reactions, multiple surgeries, spinal anomalies), so the team can plan in advance, mark the patient as latex-sensitive, and arrange a latex-free setup. Designating latex-free equipment is essential to prevent exposure during the case—this includes using non-latex gloves (such as nitrile), selecting latex-free perioperative supplies, and avoiding powdered products, since latex proteins can become airborne and trigger reactions. Clear team communication ties it together: a preoperative briefing, a midcourse check, and an updated plan in the chart and OR board ensure everyone from surgeons and nurses to anesthesiologists and outside vendors knows to avoid latex and to switch to latex-free options if needed. If exposure does occur, having an emergency plan and ready access to treatments like epinephrine is part of the same coordinated strategy. When all these elements are in place, the risk is minimized more effectively than relying on any single measure alone.