I need to know if the Browne Autoclave tape is latex free? We have a patient scheduled for surgery in our facility that is allergic to Latex. If the tape has latex is there some that does not have latex?

Linda Crim

Dear,

Awaiting the response of "The Browne group" you can have a look at the answers on question Q00132.

Best regards,
Wim Renders

Dear Linda,

Non-latex products make sense for worker too as well as patients!
A company in the UK sell non-latex autoclave tape. Contact Stuart Fluck at Health Edge Solutions Ltd., I believe they are one of few that can supply it. E-mail to: or +44-(0)1454 322777

I can recommend the following literature on the subject of latex:

• European Commission
  Health & Consumer Protection Directorate General
  Directorate B, Scientific Health Opinions
  "Scientific committee on Medcinal Products & Medical Devices"
  "Opinion on Natural rubber latex allergy", June 2000.
• Medical Devices Expert Group
  Guidance document (draft) - Sept. 2003
  "Guidelines on the implications of the Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) in relation to medical devices containing natural rubber latex"

Available from: European Commission home page - www.europa.eu.int

also:
"Impact of repeated surgical procedures on the incidence and prevalence of latex allergy: A prospective study of 1263 children." Jonathan O'B. Houribane, MD, J.M. Allard et.al. The Journal of Pediatrics Vol. 140 nr. 4.

Regards
Linda Ashurst
Rikshospitalet
Norway