When should a patient with latex allergy be scheduled for a procedure to reduce airborne exposure?

When should a patient with latex allergy be scheduled for a procedure to reduce airborne exposure?

• A. Morning
• B. Afternoon
• C. Evening
• D. Night

Answer: (A)

Airborne exposure to latex comes from latex proteins being released into the air, especially when using powdered gloves. To protect a latex-allergic patient, put them in the environment with the least amount of latex allergen—early in the day before prior cases have released and accumulated latex particles. Overnight room cleaning helps reset contamination, so the morning slot offers the lowest residual exposure. As the day progresses, latex particles from earlier procedures can linger and build up in the air and on surfaces, increasing the risk of reaction. So, scheduling the latex-allergic patient as the first case of the day minimizes airborne exposure.

Airborne exposure to latex comes from latex proteins being released into the air, especially when using powdered gloves. To protect a latex-allergic patient, put them in the environment with the least amount of latex allergen—early in the day before prior cases have released and accumulated latex particles. Overnight room cleaning helps reset contamination, so the morning slot offers the lowest residual exposure. As the day progresses, latex particles from earlier procedures can linger and build up in the air and on surfaces, increasing the risk of reaction. So, scheduling the latex-allergic patient as the first case of the day minimizes airborne exposure.