Delayed diagnosis of an epidural haematoma with a working epidural in situ

mention the latex content of Portex Epidural Minipacks (Smiths Medical, Hythe, UK) or Portex tracheal tubes although the manufacturer specifically states that these products are meant for single use only. The staff responsible for setting up these trolleys had confirmed these products to be latex-free by telephoning the manufacturer. We checked the Portex website [1], which gives a list of products containing latex. To our surprise, the same web page states ‘While every effort is made to keep this list up-to-date and accurate, Portex Limited reserves the right to change the specification of its products at any time. This may include the addition or removal of rubber latex components. In case you have any particular concerns about any product, we recommend that you call our Customer Services department on...’. If a manufacturer specifically mentions on their package that their product is meant for single use, then why not specifically label the product as ‘latexfree’? The chance of anyone using these products a second time by mistake is virtually nil, whereas the chance of any of these being used on a patient with latex allergy is very high. We would like to urge manufacturers to specifically state on the package the latex content of the product until such a time when all products produced or supplied in UK are latex-free. There is no point in establishing a latex-free trolley by relying on telephone clarification from a manufacturer who reserves the right to add latex. The package for Mallinckrodt (Bicester, UK) tracheal tubes also does not mention that it is latex-free; however, their website [2] states: ‘Unless otherwise described in this website or the device packaging and ⁄ or Directions for Use, to the best of our knowledge, ... Mallinckrodt Anaesthesiology Products do not contain dry natural rubber or natural rubber latex’. In our opinion it is essential to state that a product is ‘latex-free’ on every individual pack. Then, when in doubt, one can easily verify and safely use these products without having to check the manufacturer’s website or to contact them. We are not sure why some manufacturers are so hesitant to commit on the package that it is ‘latex-free’.