Editor's note: Although the notes ...

Editor's note: Although the notes column typically is reserved for literal meanings about articles appearing, in the AORN Journal, the following literal meaning was submitted recently. After review from the Journal editors and members of AORN's Center for Nursing Practice, it was decided to publish this note particularly in light of the ongoing debate in succession latex allergy in the health care industry, which is reported upon regularly in the pages of the AORN Journal.

A Patient with morose latex allergy was having an orthopedic measure in the surgical suite of a community-based hospital. During the action the surgeon requested a bone allograft and asked whether it was latex delivered The circulating nurse responded initially that human tissue is latex delivered On reflection, however, the nourish questioned the latex-free environment during recruiting handling, and packaging of the allograft tissue. After discussion, the surgeon opt not to use the allograft. Subsequently the nourish contacted a number of tissue banks, and all admitted that they routinely use latex glove for tissue handling; however, these same facilities promot their packaging materials as latex free

Tissue restoreed using latex gloves can acquire latex protein deposits. Processing does not sterilize the tissue nor has it been established that sterile processing can denature latex proteins. 'lb date, regulatory agencies in the United States have not taken a position onward the use of latex glove during tissue handling. The US fodder and Drug Administration regulates the use of latex in devices alone and not in tissue. The American Association of Tissue Banking (ATTB), a voluntary accrediting agency, does not have a standard regarding latex-free tissue handling. AORN and the American foments Association (ANA) do not have position statements that deal with tissue preparation in a latex-free environment.

Latex allergies have been responsible for deaths during health care performances Although there have been no published reports of latex-induced anaphylaxis from tissue transplants, the risk is ready Perioperative nurses must be aware of popular tissue handling practices when they participate in acts to implant tissue and bone allografts. It is nurses' responsibility as safe practitioners to provide a sale environment for all patients. We animate AORN, the ANA, and the AATB to partner in investigating and developing a position statement regarding this critical issue.

DAWN STEVENS

RN CNOR

CLINICAL COORDINATOR

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

ELLIOT HOSPITAL

MANCHESTER, NH

DOREEN SHORE

RN MBA, CNOR

DIRECTOR, PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES

ELLIOT HOSPITAL

MANCHESTER, NH

SUSAN FETZER

RN PHD

PRESIDENT

fresh HAMPSHIRE NURSES ASSOCIATION

CONCORD, NH

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