(83m)Kr radioactive source based on (83)Rb trapped in cation-exchange paper or in zeolite.

The mono-energetic conversion electrons from the decay of (83m)Kr represent a unique tool for energy calibration and systematic studies of the tritium beta spectrum measured in neutrino mass determination experiments. For this reason, the corresponding parent isotope was produced in reactions (nat)Kr(p,xn)(83)Rb. The behaviour of (83)Rb (T(1/2)=86.2d) and its daughter product (83m)Kr (T(1/2)=1.83h) was examined, when the (83)Rb was trapped in a cation-exchanger chromatographic paper or in zeolite. Using gamma spectroscopy measurements, recommendations for the production of a (83)Rb/(83m)Kr radionuclide generator based on these cation-exchangers and suitable for the neutrino mass determination experiment KATRIN were deduced.

Latex: a new occupational hazard for physicians.

Identification of latex sensitive individuals can be life saving. The American College of Allergy and Immunology has put forth the following recommendations: 1) Just as patients are routinely asked preoperatively about allergy to medications prior to treatment, a careful history should be obtained from every patient prior to any procedure involving contact with latex. Any patient who has a history of rash, itching, hives, rhinitis, swelling, or eye irritation or asthmatic symptoms after touching a balloon, rubber glove or any latex containing object is at risk for anaphylaxis. Previous medical history, of unexplained allergic or anaphylactic reactions during a medical procedure, may indicate sensitization. 2) Health care providers or other workers who give a history of only mild latex-glove eczema rarely have anaphylactic events. However, a history of work-related conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, or urticaria may indicate allergic sensitization and increased risk for more severe reactions in the future. 3) The utility of screening tests for predicting anaphylaxis remains controversial. Suitable reagents for skin prick tests for latex are not commercially available at this time. Inasmuch as prick testing appears to carry a substantial risk of inducing anaphylaxis, this test must be considered experimental and it should only be done by experienced physicians with resuscitative equipment and personnel immediately available. Serum tests for latex-specific IgE, currently performed on a research basis at several laboratories, may confirm a suspected diagnosis in many cases but presently lack sensitivity to identify all patients with true latex allergy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Varicella zoster in hospital personnel: skin test reactivity to monitor susceptibility.

An outbreak of chickenpox, involving three patients and one nurse on a pediatric ward, necessitated rapid identification of susceptible employees in conjunction with standard epidemiologic intervention in order to prevent spread to other high-risk patients. Of 46 hospital personnel 15 (33%) gave a negative or unknown history of prior disease. Response to a varicella-zoster skin test was compared with antibody determination as measured by fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen. Correlation of these two screening methods was absolute. Of 46 hospital personnel four (9%) were susceptible to infection (negative skin test and antibody less than 1:4) requiring their removal from the ward. All those with positive histories for prior disease with the virus and 11/15 (73%) with negative or unknown histories were immune as indicated by both tests. A readily available varicella zoster skin test would be an extremely useful epidemiologic tool for screening hospital personnel.