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1. New latex gloves reduce allergic reactions and sensitivities 2. Clearer distinctions between inhaled anthrax and flu symptoms 3. Pay per view: Reduce errors by eliminating color-coded adapters

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, September 2, 2003

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1. NEW LATEX GLOVES REDUCE ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND SENSITIVITIES
According to recent studies in the United States, Canada, and Europe, latex gloves are still one of the best forms of barrier protection for people who come in contact with infectious materials. People with latex allergies are less likely to have an adverse reaction if they are around low-protein, low- or nonpowdered natural rubber latex gloves, researchers say.

Many latex-sensitive workers who wear synthetic gloves can work closely with colleagues wearing low-protein latex gloves without a problem, and one study found that sensitive workers can safely wear low-powdered latex gloves. The improved latex gloves means more health care professionals who work with latex-sensitive people can wear latex gloves, says Esah S. Yip, PhD, research scientist and chemist, and director of the Malaysian Rubber Export Council in the United States. Less powder in the gloves mean fewer of the latex proteins can be released in the air, which makes the gloves safer for latex-sensitive people.

2. CLEARER DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN INHALED ANTHRAX AND FLU SYMPTOMS
A new study-published in the September 2 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine-identifies symptoms that could help health care workers distinguish between a person who has been exposed to inhaled anthrax and a person suffering from the flu or other common respiratory conditions. The results of the study will help create an evidence-based pre-screening tool for hospitals in case of future anthrax attacks. The tool will help ensure that patients receive the appropriate care.

Researchers from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University compared symptoms from the 11 inhaled anthrax cases in 2001 against more than 4,000 cases of common respiratory tract infections. Neurological problems such as dizziness and confusion, serious episodes of nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath were more common in patients exposed to inhaled anthrax than patients who had the flu. Sore throats and runny noses-common flu symptoms-never occurred in anthrax patients without at least one of the other symptoms.

3. PAY PER VIEW: REDUCE ERRORS BY ELIMINATING COLOR-CODED ADAPTERS
Most medical professionals associate the color green with oxygen, especially when it comes to flowmeter adapters. In many facilities, the regular room air meter has a yellow adapter and the medical oxygen has a green adapter. The two meters are usually located side by side.

The different-colored adapters should help staff easily identify the meters connected to patients. But the adapters are universal and can easily fit on either device. This can potentially lead to errors, as staff at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE, recently discovered. Read more about how the hospital addressed this issue by clicking here. The cost is $10. Briefings on Patient Safety subscribers received this article in the September 2003 issue of the newsletter.

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