Over the last ten years allergy to latex has become a serious, life-threatening medical problem. Exposure to latex may result in immediate hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, dyspnoe, rhinitis, angioedema and anaphylactic shock in sensitized individuals. People occupationally exposed to latex--health care and rubber industry workers and children suffering from spina bifida--are the most important risk groups. Clinical manifestations, immunological mechanisms, trials for identifying latex allergens and laboratory testing are reviewed here. Moreover, the authors present two cases of latex allergy diagnosed with the use of a nasal challenge test. 0.0005% latex solution (Stallergen) and latex extract prepared at the Clinic were used. Nasal washings were performed before, 30 minutes, 3 and 24 hours after provocation. The test evaluation was based on changes in the number and type of cells present in the washings. As there is no laboratory test to be used in latex allergy diagnosis approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the nasal provocation test seems to be worthy of further investigation. Ways of reducing of the allergenicity of latex products and preventing hypersensitivity reactions are also presented.