Latex in Medical Devices and Products

At Symbius, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best products on the market.  Cost and convenience are important factors; however, the continued health and safety of our customers is paramount – from product design to how they’re manufactured and what materials they contain.  

Many medical products and devices necessitate sealing against the body, which can raise concerns for those with sensitive skin or who experience an allergic reaction to certain materials. Latex sensitivity is becoming more common, and how severely a person reacts can worsen with repeated exposure.    

Latex is the raw material from which rubber is made. Those with this allergy may experience a reaction after being in contact with, for example, the latex in rubber gloves or by inhaling airborne latex particles.  It is an irritant to many individuals and for some, even the slightest exposure to latex (such as from elastic in clothing and rubber bands), can cause an immediate, life-threatening allergic reaction.  According to the Mayo Clinic, mild latex allergy symptoms include:

• Itching 


• Skin redness


• Hives or rash   

While more severe symptoms include:

• Sneezing 


• Runny nose 


• Itchy, watery eyes 


• Scratchy throat 


• Difficulty breathing 


• Wheezing 


• Cough   

Medical devices and associated products, such as catheters and ostomy bags, come into direct and repeated contact with the body in areas where the skin can be extra sensitive.  Skin in these areas should be kept clean and routinely monitored for signs of irritation.  Because latex sensitivity can develop after repeated exposure, this is imperative even for those who do not initially display the symptoms of allergic reaction or sensitivity.   

For catheter users with a known allergy or sensitivity to Latex, Symbius Medical offers Cure Catheters and Cure Catheter Closed Systems, which are always latex free.  We also offer latex-free gloves (e.g. sterile catheter kits). For more information about this or other products, talk with a knowledgeable customer service representatives today, or visit us online at http://www.symbiusmedical.com.

Source: http://www.symbiusmedical.com/latex-in-medical-devices-and-products/