Oxygen Therapy masks

All current Intersurgical and Lifecare masks have non-latex elastic band retainers.
However look for the non-latex statements -eg: Intersurgical & Lifecare with the bad printing,
IF the masks are not identified as non-latex - throw them away, they are old and obsolete anyhow!

Intersurgical 100% re-breathing reservoir masks (A&E and CPR carts) are non-latex and marked,
some other brands still have latex flap valves!

Oxygen Therapy Equipment

Hudson & Kendall aerosol humidifying kits are non-latex
as is the new Intersurgical humidifier which screws on a Baxter water bottle.

CPAP masks by Vital Signs are non-latex

Baxter 1 litre plastic sterile water & saline irrigation bottles are exactly that - plastic.
Baxter 1 litre water for irrigation bags (used for humidifiers) have no latex componeents

Caution advised - example:
It is possible to compromise a completely non-latex product by adding unessary
latex components. Please avoid this example.....

This problem can be avoided quite simply like this.

Theatres

Boyles pattern Anaesthetic Machines - Datex

The machines are manufactured latex free ie: The valves, bellows and seals do not contain latex parts
However it is possible to compromise circuits by incorporating latex components into the machines!

We are currently using the Intersurgical products.
Old Green Intersurgical reservoir bags with a white neck are latex; use only the new
bags which are marked with a Purple/Blue neck and are non-latex.
All Intersugical patient expiratory valves are non-latex

Laryngoscope sheaves ‘Laryngard’ by Penlon are non-latex.

Clear plastic Guedel airways and Mallincrodt Endotracheal Tubes (ETT) are safe non-latex
Black rubber Guedel airways are latex.

Likewise Laryngeal masks are also totally non-latex.

New Theatre trolley and table mattresses are now non-latex, the older units also had latex foam within
Beware of splits or better still - discard them.

Caution - latex products: .Black rubber face-masks contain latex!
Black rubber reservoir bags are also latex - In fact virtually all Black rubber products are latex!

Note on Filters:
If you suspect the machine may have been latex compromised - use an Intersurgical  Pleated Bacterial filter at the patient end of the circuit, a complete barrier effect is required.
PALL pleated filters and Mallincrodt Dar pleated filters are also suitable.

Warning! Conventional Electrostatic filters have open paths through the fibres and will NOT capture the latex proteins! (Intersurgical HME & Bacterial and Intersurgical Bacterial or Mallincrodt DAR filters)
Be aware that the various types of filters have very different effective usages times!

Johnson & Johnson elasticated Nurses hats and mob caps contain latex elastic.

Intensive Care,  Recovery, A&E & Spinal Unit

All ventilators in current use (Puritan, Siemans, Sechrist) have non-latex parts as standard.
The ‘Waters bags’ (Mapleson C) must have a non-latex blue/Purple neck.

Ambu resuscitation bags are Neoprene and non-latex - except for very old masks with orange stoppers.
Laerdal bags and the Marshall clones are completely silicone and safe.
However use only see-thru vinyl masks! or pure silicone Laerdal masks
Please do NOT cover the masks with a latex glove!

Warning: Black rubber face-masks are natural Rubber products, ie: Latex!

Warning: Intersurgical IMV valve components still have latex discs!
(Used on St Francis, Andrews & ITU) This is the only Intersurgical product with latex content.

The Green Intersurgical Elastomeric products (used on Puritan Bennett ventilators are non-latex)

Laryngoscope sheaves ‘Laryngard’ by Penlon are non-latex.

Clear plastic Guedel airways and Mallincrodt Endotracheal Tubes (ETT) are safe plastic & non-latex

Likewise Laryngeal masks are also totally non-latex.

Lifepak de-fibs have no latex cables nor have the patient pads, they are safe to use.

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Version 5  - Sept 2002