Related Terminology
This glossary explains some of the terms related to glove manufacture and allergy issues.
Absorbable Dusting Powder (ADP)A U.S.P. glove donning powder consisting of cornstarch powder mixed with approximately 2 percent magnesium oxide to prevent caking. When applied to the surfaces of medical and surgical gloves, it facilitates donning and prevents glove surfaces from sticking together. ADP may be unintentionally deposited into the body during operations or procedures. It is typically absorbed into the body after about three months; however, before it is fully absorbed, ADP may cause the formation of adhesions and granulomas which can result in serious and costly medical complications.
Accelerator A chemical that is added to natural rubber latex to help accelerate curing. Common accelerators include thiurams, thioureas, mercapto-benzothiazoles, and dithiocarbamates.
Adhesion An inflammatory band that abnormally joins two tissues or organs by a fibrous growth, especially the opposing surfaces of a wound. Over time, adhesions constrict organs and cause tremendous pain and other complications. Adhesions may form as a post-operative complication of cornstarch powder deposited in body cavities and wounds following surgery.
Allergen A compound causing an allergic response. In natural rubber latex gloves, the allergen may be a latex protein or one of the residual chemicals remaining on a product after manufacturing.
Allergy Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (such as a natural rubber latex protein or chemical) resulting in a marked increase in reactivity to that antigen upon repeated exposure. This sometimes results in harmful immunologic consequences.
Antigen A foreign substance; an allergen once it has been absorbed into the body and identified by the immune system.
Antibodies Produced by the body's immunological response to antigens, antibodies are found in the blood.
Anaphylactic Shock Systemic response to an allergen resulting in respiratory difficulties and a sudden drop in blood pressure that may lead to cardiovascular collapse. This type of response may occur in people with Type I latex allergy.
Atopic Individuals who are predisposed to allergies in general. Atopic individuals are more likely to develop latex protein allergy than non-atopic individuals.
Chlorination The process of treating natural rubber with chlorine to improve its donning properties. Chlorination is used in lieu of cornstarch powder in many powder-free gloves.
Contact DermatitisA Type IV allergy or irritant reaction characterized by a red rash. The skin may also develop blisters.
ELISA Assay Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, a laboratory test for determining the quantity of protein.
Endotoxins Poisons (toxins) remaining after bacteria is broken down during the sterilization of gloves by gamma irradiation. Endotoxins on glove surfaces can cause post-operative fever and may lead to skin breakdown and infection, and may cause severe hand dermatitis among healthcare workers.
Granuloma A nodular inflammatory lesion; usually small or granular, firm, persistent and containing compactly grouped mononuclear blood cells. May be produced by foreign bodies, such as absorbable dusting powder.
Immunoglobulin E(IgE) A type of antibody that releases histamines during an allergic reaction. May be triggered by natural rubber latex proteins or other allergens.
Inflammation A process that occurs in blood vessels and adjacent tissues in response to an injury or abnormal physical, chemical or biological stimulation. Signs of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling and pain. Inflammation may be caused by latex protein allergy.
Natural Rubber Latex Natural substance produced by the Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) tree.
Latex Allergy The body's allergic reaction to one or more of the proteins or added chemicals found in natural rubber latex.
LEAP Assay Latex ELISA for Antigenic Protein,1 a test to determine the level of natural rubber latex allergens contained in a product sample. This sensitive test measures immunologically reactive protein.
Leaching Manufacturing process of removing soluble contents of a substance by immersing in water. Some latex proteins and residual chemicals may be removed from latex products during the leaching and rinsing stages of manufacturing.
Lowry Assay A method of testing for the level of total extractable latex protein contained in a product sample.
Lycopodium The spores of the club moss. When processed, it becomes a yellow, tasteless and odorless powder. Lycopodium was once used as a dusting powder on medical gloves, but abandoned after it was proven to remain in the body and cause inflammatory responses and other serious medical complications.
Pyrogen Dead bacteria, molds, viruses and yeasts that cause fever. Pyrogens can remain on gloves following sterilization by gamma irradiation.
Universal Precautions Glove guidelines for healthcare workers mandated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1987 to help prevent the transmission of HIV.
RAST Inhibition Test Radioallergosorbent laboratory test which indicates the amount of allergens present in a glove extract.
Sensitivity A term used in assessing the value of a diagnostic test, procedure or clinical observation. It is the proportion of people who truly have a specific disease and are so identified by the test.
SensitizationA condition of being made susceptible to a specific substance such as protein or pollen by repeated exposure over a period of time.
Talc Hydrous magnesium silicate, used as a dusting powder. Abandoned as a substance for donning gloves because it was proven to cause inflammatory responses and other severe medical complications when deposited in the body during surgery.
Vulcanization The process of treating raw rubber or its compounds by subjecting it to heat in the presence of sulfur to increase its strength and elasticity
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