What is MPXX™ technology and what does it do to Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) and synthetic products?
MPXX™ stands for Maximum Protection and the technology entails a batch washing process which washes the proteins, including the ones clinically proven to cause latex allergy Type I, out of NRL finished products. MPXX™ also reduces chemical residues to undetectable levels with the aim to avoid allergic contact dermatitis, allergy Type IV.
Is MPXX™ protected?
Trademarks and patents protect both the brand name as well as the technology.How many proteins are contained in NRL products and which ones are proven to cause latex allergy Type I?
Raw latex contains at least 200 different types of proteins. The WHO-IUIS Allergen Sub-Committee has described and characterized 14 of these proteins as allergens, of which only 4 are clinically proven (major allergens) to cause the majority of the Type I allergy cases. The 4 clinically relevant allergens are: Hev b 1, Hev b 3, Hev b 5 and Hev b 6.02. More than 40,000 products currently contain NRL.
Are the chemicals used in the process environmentally friendly?
The chemicals used in the process are not harmful to the environment, are re-used and can be recycled.
What are the symptoms of Latex Allergy?
There are two types of allergy, one caused by natural rubber latex proteins and linked to NRL, known as Type I allergy, and the second one caused by the chemicals that are used in most type of products (also nitrile), known as Type IV allergy. NRL products treated with
MPXX™ reduce the risk on Type I and Type IV allergy thanks to the reduction of proteins and chemical residues. Although Type IV reactions could be caused by the chemicals added during the production of other products, users are still not informed adequately on which product to choose. Type IV reactions and awareness of this problem are increasingly common.
The common reactions to latex allergy Type I are contact urticaria, dermatitis and asthma. Immediate type hypersensitivity requires previous sensitization and is the most potentially dangerous reaction to latex. Some people may experience an irritant reaction when using products made from natural rubber latex, known as irritant contact dermatitis. This is not, however, a true allergy.
Is latex allergy a common problem?
Approximately 1 to 3% of the world population is potentially sensitized to NRL allergy, although not all sensitized persons develop symptoms. Furthermore, some studies show that up to 17% of the medical staff that regularly use NRL products is at risk when using these products.
Up to 65% of children with spina bifida are sensitized to NRL.
Type I cases are stabilizing whilst allergic contact dermatitis cases caused by chemical residues in nitrile gloves as well as other types of gloves are rising.
Are alternative materials to NRL the solution?
No. Depending on usage and based on the required applications and performance a user should choose the best available product, taking into account possible risks on amongst others allergy, migratable N-nitrosamines, allergic contact dermatitis and taking into account the required tactility and dexterity.
How is MPXX™ technology supported?
MPXX™ is a proven and robust technology supported by all test methods available to determine the level of protein and allergens, the chemical residue content and the quality of the product. Furthermore, applicable for medical gloves, products treated with MPXX™ technology, exceed all relevant international requirements under, amongst others, the EN 455, 1 to 4 and ASTM standards. Test results are available upon specific request.
What is the difference between NRL products treated with MPXX™ technology and non-MPXX™ treated ones?
Due to a unique combination of tests applied to MPXX™, NRL products treated with MPXX™ are protein clean to unquantifiable levels* - for more information, please refer to the MPXX™ technology page.
* There are no test methods available to assess the level of allergenicity of NRL products to the absolute number 0.
Can chemicals used in the manufacturing process of a glove cause a reaction?
Allergic contact dermatitis is said to be caused by chemical residues, which come from the chemicals used in the manufacturing process of amongst others synthetic and NRL products. Chemical residues are increasingly responsible for causing the majority of allergy cases in the professional healthcare sector.