Overview of evaluation of suspected latex allergy

Establishing the presence of latex allergy can be challenging. The most reliable indicator of allergy is a strong clinical history that associates exposure with symptoms. Confirmatory tests (skin tests, IgE anti-Hevea serology tests, and BAT) are limited by reagent availability, varying reagent sensitivity/specificity and composition, and significant risks for triggering serious reactions. Direct provocation or exposure testing with a latex product (eg, Hevea examination glove) is avoided because of the variability of allergen release from the product, difficulty of interpreting an actual positive response (eg, no established or defined endpoints), and risk of inducing a severe allergic reaction. Refer to UpToDate content on latex allergy for additional information on diagnosis.