Hi, only me having another rant!
 
I had to go to the docs for blood tests and an ECG for unrelated condition.
 
Twice i advised the nurses, that i was allergy type 1.
 
Got to appointment being told yes its fine.
 
anyway get in there and the nurse says dont worry im using  non latex gloves! I asked about everything else and she looked at me amazed!
 
came down to it and she had no idea about the electrodes on the ECG.
 
And neither did anyone else so i got rescheduled!
 
So angry, twice they were warned.
 
Does anyone know if they do contain latex?  
The sticky bits that they stick on ur chest?
 
 
 

thought so didnt want to chance it.  
 
u thought they would know more about latex allergy.
 
sent them a stinking email saying they really ought to have a non latex set of everything.
 
Fuming !

Hi Tami
 
I had a 24 hour tape done and unfortunately they told me the pads were latex free but weren't - ended up scarred for about six months.  When they took the pads off I had open weeping sores and unfortunately this prolonged contact seems to be the factor that ramped up my reaction to latex.  Prior to this my reactions were incredibly mild - in fact I only reacted to powdered latex gloves and nothing else.  Since then am far more reactive.
 
My understanding is that some of the paediatric pads they use on SCBU are totally latex free because they are dealing with premi babies.  At least this is what they told me at hospital.  Laughably, they also told me they thought I would be ok given the pads were hypoallergenic!!!!!!

It really is very frustrating isn't it... ignorance is bliss it appears for most NHS staff. I had an ECG done late last year, ironically having had an irregular pulse detected by an A&E nurse having been admitted with anaphylaxis! When the surgery were embarking on the ECG test, I suddenly thought to ask about the pads and the nurse had no idea.... the sister was called who scorned me for asking and to just "get on with it"! I was horrified! Just reaffirms my hatred of surgery nurses too I am afraid who never take me seriously.
 
Good luck with this one Tami and don't take any chances... well unless the benefit of the test outweighs the risk of course.

Lewis had had to have ECG's and each time the nurses have shown him the packaging which stated that the pads were latex free and he has been fine.

Better to be safe than sorry. You are certainly not paranoid. We have to look after our own safety
 
Take care and keep in touch when you get the tests of done.
 
Teddy