LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
"Becky Engel, RN, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 9 Nov 1995 15:22:43 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (28 lines)
I found Lisa Marasco's information about latex allergy quite thought
provoking. There have been several articles in nursing journals about this,
but I did not think about it in relation to lactation consulting.

I am on the products evaluation committee at our hospital. Recently, it was
proposed that consideration be given to a *latex-free* area in the emergency
department. The committee considered all the implications of trying to
eliminate not only latex gloves, catheters, IV fluid bags, and so on, but
also trying to account for airborne particles. The issue has been tabled.

As far as any committee members knew, no staff members had developed a
full-blown latex allergic reaction. However, there are a large number of
staff members with contact dermatitis who must use barrier creams and
non-powdered gloves.

My particular soapbox concerns appropriate technology. Low tech is definitely
more cost-efficient. But there are times for new developments. I'm all for
flexibility and common sense and having a reason for doing what we do. When
gloves are necessary, they are necessary. I vaguely remember reading that
vinyl is more permeable to microorganisms and fluids than latex. Anybody have
any references? I'll eventually do some literature search, but don't have
time now.

What about rubber nipples and pacifiers (dummies)? Some are silicon, but
aren't most latex?

Becky Engel, RN, IBCLC

ATOM RSS1 RSS2