D
ivision of Health Care
Latex Allergy Policy
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ex products are common in the medical environment. Allergic responses to latex can range from
irritation and allergic contact dermatitis to the possibility of life threatening anaphylactic shock.
Guidelines have been established at Quinsigamond Community College to provide information to
potential allied health and nursing program applicants and staff who are sensitive to latex.
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ex free environments are seldom available in either clinical or academic settings. Therefore, an
individual with a latex allergy/sensitivity wearing alternative vinyl or nitrile gloves is still exposed to
latex residue of others working in the area or to latex present in the equipment, models and mannequins.
Although latex gloves are the most prominent source of latex allergens, many other products contain latex
including, but not limited to:
Blood pressure cuffs, medication vials, syringe connectors and wound drains
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thoscopes, catheters, respirators, and goggles
Oral and nasal airways, surgical masks, and electrode pads
Endotr
acheal tubes, syringes, IV tubing, and tourniquets
Any student who has or develops symptoms consistent with latex allergy/sensitivity is advised to consult
a qualified allergist for evaluation prior to enrollment in the Health Programs at Quinsigamond
Community College. All such evaluations are at the student’s expense. If it is determined that a student
suffers from a latex sensitivity/allergy and the student desires an academic adjustment, including auxiliary
aids or service, or reasonable accommodation due to this condition, the student must contact the College’s
Office of Disability Services at
508-854-4471.
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s with all matters related to one’s health, the utmost precautions should be taken by the student to
reduce the risk of exposure and allergic reactions. This may include the carrying of an epi-pen by the
individual or other precautions as advised by the student’s health care provider. It is the responsibility of
the student with a latex sensitivity to understand and acknowledge the risks associated with continued
exposure to latex during a clinical education and healthcare career, even when reasonable
accommodations are made and to regularly consult with his/her health care provider.
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n an effort to minimize the presence of latex in the College’s lab facilities, Quinsigamond Community
College will provide latex-free and powder-free gloves in all College lab facilities. Should a clinical
agency site NOT provide latex-free gloves, the College will provide latex-free gloves for clinical use.
Additionally, the College is taking the following steps to minimize latex in its lab facilities: 1)
replacement of all gloves in use by faculty and students with nitrile or vinyl gloves; 2) maintaining an
inventory of all products/equipment and supplies in the Health Care Division that contain or could contain
latex; and 3) future purchase of latex-safe supplies and equipment whenever possible.
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s with all students in the Health Care Programs, a student with a latex sensitivity or allergy is required
to satisfactorily complete all requirements and technical standards of the program to which they have
been accepted.
