Latex Allergy Perioperative — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyPaediatric AnaesthesiaLatex Allergy PerioperativeFRCA Final

A 2-year-old child with confirmed IgE-mediated latex allergy is scheduled for hypospadias repair. Which item must be substituted during preparation of the operating theatre?

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Correct answer: D — Powder-free natural rubber surgical gloves

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as C · C = shown as D

C is correct. Natural rubber surgical gloves contain latex proteins and must be replaced with latex-free synthetic gloves for a child with confirmed IgE-mediated latex allergy. Powder-free gloves reduce airborne dispersal of allergen carried on glove powder, but they are not latex-free and can still provoke a reaction through direct, mucosal or surgical exposure. The silicone supraglottic airway, rigid plastic canister, plastic clip probe and stainless-steel blade do not contain natural rubber latex as described. Nevertheless, the complete equipment list and packaging should be checked because components vary between manufacturers. UK theatre guidance identifies avoidance of latex-containing gloves as the most important precaution when maintaining a latex-free perioperative environment.

Reference: Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. Generic Theatre Practice Standards Clinical Guidelines V4.1, section 2.23: management of latex-sensitive patients. May 2025. https://doclibrary-rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk/GET/d10310081