Preoperative Questionnaire Evaluation and Testing for Latex Allergy: A Retrospective Study From 2015 to 2021

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber and may occur in the perioperative period. Between 2015 and 2021, patients at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine were screened for latex allergy before surgery using a standardized questionnaire. Patients suspected of having latex allergy underwent skin prick tests (SPTs), wearing tests, and measurement of serum-specific IgE antibody titers. The results of the medical questionnaires, skin tests, and IgE tests were subsequently analyzed. Overall, 467 patients were suspected of having latex allergy based on the questionnaire responses. SPTs and wearing tests were positive in 105 and 10 cases, respectively. Ten patients were diagnosed with latex allergies based on the wearing tests. Questionnaire data from patients diagnosed with latex allergy revealed 8 cases of allergic symptoms after fruit and vegetable intake, 7 associated with rubber product use, 2 of anaphylactic shock of unknown cause, and 2 of involving medical staff with atopic dermatitis. Among these patients, latex-specific IgE and Hev b 6.02–specific IgE antibody titers were measured in 10 and 6 cases, respectively. Latex-specific IgE antibody titers were classified as class ≥ 2 in 3 cases, whereas Hev b 6.02–specific IgE antibody titers reached class ≥ 2 in 1. No intraoperative cases of latex allergy were observed during the study period. These findings suggest latex allergy screening using a questionnaire in combination with diagnostic testing is a useful strategy.