Latex-free BP cuff REALLY necessary?

[Pseudonymous]

I bought a prestige medical aneroid blood pressure cuff from the workn'gear where I live, so I could practice taking BP. Only problem is, it has a latex inflation system. Now when I went to buy a stethoscope, the training center made it seem like a big deal, that it be latex-free. No store within 10 miles sells a latex-free BP cuff. In fact, they didn't know that one existed. Prestige medical DOES list a latex free one online, (I've seen it on ambulances, and in the training center) but they don't sell their products directly, you have to buy it from a retailer that sells Prestige Medical products. And like I said, no store has ever even heard of one.

My question is, do I really need latex-free? Mostly I'll use it at home, but I might use it at several fire companies where I practice with a study group, and with a bunch of people I won't know too well.

Should I just stick with the one I have?

 

[medic417]

If for yourself you get what you want. If using it for work you get what they say.

Is latex a serious allergy? Yes. Some people will go into anaphylaxis with even smaller amounts of latex than your BP cuff will have.

 

[JJR512]

Is it a latex bladder inside of cuff made of another material? If so, I don't think it's particularly important. I think that allergic reactions to latex only occur with contact with latex, so if the latex component doesn't actually come into contact with anyone's skin, it shouldn't be a problem.

(This is my suspicion, I'm not saying that this is a fact. I could be wrong.)

 

[C.T.E.M.R.]

If you are going to use it on anyone you don't know to well just ask if they have an allergy, personally, i have a BP cuff with latex, but it stays in my house usually, i only use it at home, and when i was in class i used it. with allergies nowadays i stick with all non latex everything, i CT, its illegal for an ambulance to carry latex gloves now. Definitely use yours for practice, but like i said find out if the person has an allergy pr not.

 

[medic417]

Is it a latex bladder inside of cuff made of another material? If so, I don't think it's particularly important. I think that allergic reactions to latex only occur with contact with latex, so if the latex component doesn't actually come into contact with anyone's skin, it shouldn't be a problem.

(This is my suspicion, I'm not saying that this is a fact. I could be wrong.)

Yes you are incorrect.

 

[Pseudonymous]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I'll just go ahead and only use it on family/ friends, and ask if they're allergic. ^_^

 

[JJR512]

Yes you are incorrect.

So someone with a latex allergy will get a reaction if they're even just in the presence of latex? If it's not actually touching them?

 

[C.T.E.M.R.]

So someone with a latex allergy will get a reaction if they're even just in the presence of latex? If it's not actually touching them?

makes sense, some people have severe allergies whereas some it will not bother.

 

[EMS49393]

So someone with a latex allergy will get a reaction if they're even just in the presence of latex? If it's not actually touching them?

Yes they can. I happen to be one of them. It is a very big deal and a serious allergy rivaled by bee stings and nuts. Latex is can have a very fine dust come off of it that will penetrate a lot of fabrics.

You know what's embarrassing? Anaphylaxis from a bra. At work. :blush: I can't even use rubber bands. This allergy is really a pain in the *****.

Interestingly though, there seems to be a correlation between latex, banana, and avocado allergies.

 

[abckidsmom]

Yes they can. I happen to be one of them. It is a very big deal and a serious allergy rivaled by bee stings and nuts. Latex is can have a very fine dust come off of it that will penetrate a lot of fabrics.

You know what's embarrassing? Anaphylaxis from a bra. At work. :blush: I can't even use rubber bands. This allergy is really a pain in the *****.

Interestingly though, there seems to be a correlation between latex, banana, and avocado allergies.

Tropical trees. Of course!

 

[Aidey]

So someone with a latex allergy will get a reaction if they're even just in the presence of latex? If it's not actually touching them?

I know a guy who went into anaphylaxis just from someone opening a set of sterile latex gloves in the same room he was in.

I developed a latex allergy, luckily it isn't too bad, but every time I am re-exposed it gets worse. The less latex I come near, the better because avoiding it means I may be able to prevent developing an anaphylactic reaction.

 

[lightsandsirens5]

Tropical trees. Of course!

Well, actually I don't know. Latex allergies are also lined to pineapple, chestnut, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, strawberry and soy, in addition to avocado and banana.

Granted most of them are tropical fruits......