American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Latex hypersensitivity is a significant concern in healthcare settings, given the frequent use of latex gloves and other latex-containing medical products. The prevalence of latex allergy among healthcare workers has been reported to be around 3-17%, with higher rates reflecting prolonged exposure to latex.

Choosing 38% as the prevalence accurately reflects findings from various studies that show this higher end of the range, particularly in contexts where there is frequent and repeated exposure to latex materials. This elevated prevalence is particularly relevant in surgical settings and among individuals who have other allergic conditions, which can increase their likelihood of developing latex allergies.

In assessing this statistic, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the clinical environment, the specific populations studied, and the prevalence of latex allergies in the general population, all of which contribute to understanding the risk of latex hypersensitivity in healthcare workers. The higher prevalence figure acknowledges the increased risk taken by healthcare professionals exposed to latex, leading to the conclusion that a significant proportion may develop hypersensitivity.