Latex allergy has been well described in the literature, but it remains a constant worry for high-risk groups. We wish to show that the manufacturing industry has made real progress in response to this iatrogenic pathology. The high-risk groups are defined, in addition to the allergies with which they are associated: foodstuffs, ethylene oxide, airborne allergens. The criteria necessary to have available high-quality sterile surgical gloves are stated: they must be either hypo-allergenic or non-allergenic dependent upon the circumstances of use, they must garantee protection against the transmission of infection and allow the medical practitioner complete freedom of movement. In the same way urinary catheters for intermittent probing, penile sheaths and condoms are mentioned. Powder must definitely be eliminated from any medical glove, because it can both be a vector for latex particles and can be the cause of granulomas in the abdominal cavity. The European Community standards (CE) and the recommendations of the Americain Associations of Allergology are explained. Sterilization by gamma irradiation is one sign of real progress, outperforming ethylene oxide which is too allergenic. The composition of the groves must ensure an effective barrier against both allergens and infections. Pre-lubricated latex-free urinary catheters, penile sheaths and latex-free condoms represent substantial improvements for the population at risk. Since 1995 considerable progress has been made by the manufacturing industry in response to the needs of both allergologists and surgeons.
