Hidden Latex Sources Operating Theatre — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateAnaesthetic Equipment & SafetyHidden Latex Sources Operating TheatreFRCA Final

A 35-year-old man (ASA I) is undergoing emergency appendicectomy. He has a known allergy to latex (confirmed anaphylaxis). The theatre has been prepared as 'latex-free'. Which of the following is a hidden source of latex that is commonly overlooked?

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Correct answer: A — Rubber bungs on medication vials

Rubber bungs/stoppers on medication vials are a commonly overlooked source of latex allergen exposure. When a needle is pushed through a latex-containing bung to draw up medication, latex particles can be introduced into the drug solution. Other hidden sources: IV injection ports, blood pressure cuff bladders, some adhesive tapes, urinary catheter balloons, elastic in clothing/stockings, and tourniquet elastics. For latex-allergic patients: draw medication through a non-coring needle or use latex-free vials, replace all potentially latex-containing equipment, and use the patient as the first case on the list (to minimise aerosolised latex particles from previous cases).

Reference: RCOA – 2023 – Latex allergy in anaesthesia; Association of Anaesthetists – 2020 – Latex-free protocols