contain latex. It's not just gloves, but also stethoscopes,
syringes, bandages, catheters, EKG pads and numerous
other items. And about 3 million Americans have latex
allergies, according to the American Latex Allergy
Association. Reactions can range from minor irritation to
life-threatening anaphylaxis. We want to be safe, so we
make sure our signs and our boxes, which we store in pre-
op, accompany patients all the way through their visits —
from pre-op to the OR and into recovery. Along with latex-
free supplies, the boxes also contain protocols to help
remind staff members about procedures for handling
patients with latex allergies.
K. Loretta Rice,
RNFA, BSN, CNOR
Gwinnett Surgery Center
Lawrenceville, Ga.
loretta@gwinnettsurgical.com
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 5
