Dr. Mehmet Unsel and researchers from Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey reported that a standard nasal provocation method has yet to be established.
The nasal provocation test showed positive results in 84.6% and negative in 15.4% of patients with positive skin prick test to natural rubber latex, compared with 50% positive and 50% negative glove responses.
The results of nasal provocation test were negative in patients with positive skin prick tests to other inhaler allergens and in a control group with no allergic diseases.
The investigators reported that using skin prick test positivity to natural rubber latex and a history of natural rubber latex-associated rhinitis for diagnosing natural rubber latex allergy, nasal provocation test had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 100%, negative predictive value of 98%, and positive predicative value of 100%.
After comparing the reusults, the glove use test had 81% sensitivity, 90% specificity, negative predictive value of 75%, and positive predictive value of 93%.
Nasal provocation test was successfully used for the first time in the diagnosis of natural rubber latex allergy, the authors conclude
