Latex Allergy

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and exposure to latex. They may order allergy blood tests or skin tests.

Tell your provider if you:

• Have a history of food allergies or other allergies.
• Have family members with allergies.
• Use latex products as part of your job or hobbies.
• Have had surgeries or other medical procedures.

What tests are used to diagnose a latex allergy?

To diagnose a latex allergy, your provider might use:

• Blood tests: To test for an IgE-mediated latex allergy, your provider might order a blood draw. A lab tests the blood sample to see if you have IgE antibodies that react to latex proteins.
• Skin tests: During a skin test, your provider scratches or pricks your skin with a small amount of latex proteins. They measure how much your skin reacts, if at all.