Remove latex from the labor and delivery suite.

who were positive for latex sensitization, whereas the non-OB group had 5 such patients, with both groups having 294 patients in each. In other words, the OB group had 10 more patients who tested positive for latex allergy than did the non-OB. Looking at the risk factors listed, one finds that the OB group had six to seven more patients with positive results than did the non-OB: specifically, drug allergy (atopy), seven more; food allergy (atopy), six more; other allergy (atopy), seven more; multiple surgeries, six more; and healthcare workers, six more. If this difference of six to seven patients accounts for the majority of difference in latex sensitization, the findings of higher prevalence in the OB group is because of the higher prevalence of risk factors. Unfortunately, the authors do not discuss this confounding issue in their report. Thus, I must conclude that the authors did not have enough evidence to make the conclusion that pregnancy is a risk factor for latex allergy.