Four-phase, five-year NRL glove plan

The following is an outline of the University of Maryland School of Medicine plan to eliminate latex gloves over a five-year period:

• Phase I: Provided nitrile synthetic nonsterile examination gloves to natural rubber latex (NRL)-sensitized employees and converted to powder-free, low-protein NRL examination gloves including gloves in prepackaged suction kits. Phase I was completed in September 1999. [Editor’s note: Latex gloves are often manufactured with a powdered cornstarch substance inside them. This acts as a vector for the allergen and can be taken into the lungs and cause significant symptoms. Eliminating the powder could decrease exposure and the likelihood of employees becoming sensitized.]

• Phase II: Converted to powder-free and non-NRL surgical gloves. Completed in August 2001.

• Phase III: Conversion to all synthetic examination gloves. Targeted for 2002.

• Phase IV: Conversion to all synthetic surgical gloves. Completion anticipated in 2003.