Tips for Choosing the Best Disposable Gloves

Gloves are the first line of defense for medical professionals and caregivers against disease and the transmission of illnesses. In general, there are two main types of disposable medical gloves: 

• Exam gloves  - General purpose medical gloves that are suitable for most patient care activities. They come in latex, nitrile, vinyl, and other materials. Both sterile and non-sterile exam gloves are available, and glove sizing generally ranges from extra-small to extra-large. 
• Surgical gloves -These are sterile, meaning free from germs. Sterile surgical gloves are useful for some non-surgical procedures where there is a risk of infection, such as catheter care or surgical wound care. For a precise fit, surgical gloves come in numbered sizes ranging from 5.5 through 9. 

Material

The material in the gloves is the main consideration when choosing the right glove for your use.  

• Latex  - Latex gloves are manufactured of natural rubber latex. These gloves are popular with healthcare workers for their comfortable fit, barrier protection and chemical resistance. However, latex can cause allergic reactions sensitive to natural rubber.  Among the general population, between 1 and 6% of people are sensitive to latex. Among healthcare workers, that number increases to 8 to 12%. If you or someone you’re caring for has a latex allergy, choose gloves made from other materials, like vinyl or nitrile. 
• Nitrile  –  Nitrile is a synthetic co-polymer, formed through acrylonitrile and butadiene combining,  making them a good choice for people with latex allergies. These gloves are highly resistant to tears and can protect extended patient contact.  
• Vinyl  – Vinyl gloves consist of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic material. Due to their low cost, these gloves may work well for brief patient care activities that require frequent glove changes. Vinyl gloves typically fit loosely and may tear more easily than some other types of gloves. 
• Polyisoprene  - Polyisoprene gloves are made from synthetic polyisoprene which provide similar properties to natural rubber latex.  It doesn’t contain the protein that causes latex allergies, though. Polyisoprene gloves may be a good option for people who want the performance of latex gloves without allergy concerns.  

Other Important Considerations For Buying Medical Gloves 

When shopping for the best disposable gloves for medical use, there are many factors to keep in mind, such as: 

• Strength: Some are more resistant to rips or tears than others. Studies have found that latex or nitrile gloves have lower failure rates than vinyl gloves.  
• Sensitivity: Glove sensitivity may be an important consideration for tasks that require greater touch sensation, such as feeling blood vessels to take someone’s pulse. In studies, healthcare workers have expressed a preference for the sensitivity of latex gloves. Non-latex gloves, like nitrile, can also provide this tactile sensitivity. 
• Fit and Comfort: Choose gloves that fit snugly without restricting your movement. A good fit is vital for more than just comfort. When gloves are too small, they may be more likely to rip. When gloves are too large, they may offer less protection from germs. 
• Grip: Medical gloves have different textures that may affect your grip. Some gloves have a smooth surface. Other gloves have textured fingertips to help you grip instruments and small objects.  
• Powder: In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned powdered exam and surgical gloves. Powdered gloves can have adverse effects, including inflammation and allergic reactions. For safety, make sure any gloves you choose are powder-free. 
• Chemical Resistance: Some caregivers or healthcare workers may need gloves that are resistant to chemicals. Specialty exam gloves are worn while handling chemotherapy agents, for example. The FDA regulates the chemical resistance of these chemotherapy gloves. Check the product labeling or material safety data sheet for any chemicals you use to learn which gloves are needed. 

To protect yourself and the person you’re caring for, find out more about Simply Medical’s disposable medical gloves. 

References 

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/medical-gloves 
https://www.who.int/gpsc/tools/Infsheet6.pdf 
https://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/ppe/ppeslides6-29-04.pdf 
https://www.fda.gov/media/90612/download 
https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/providers/index.html 
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000119.htm 
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000452.htm 
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/19/2016-30382/banned-devices-powdered-surgeons-gloves-powdered-patient-examination-gloves-and-absorbable-powder 
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/guidelines/isolation-guidelines-H.pdf 
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(13)01145-0/pdf 
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/dont-be-misled-latex-free-claims 
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ic/ppe.htm 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5820822/