Gloves

In any healthcare field, the use of gloves is essential for the safety of staff and patients alike.  Wearing gloves offers a sterile environment and is an important step in protecting workers against contamination and infection.  It is now mandatory that all healthcare workers wear medical gloves when doing any type of procedure.  Medical gloves are an accessory that ensure sanitary hospital conditions.  In this article, we will explain the different types of gloves used today and when to wear them.  This important information can be used to protect yourself and those around you. 

Since the 1980s, with the rise of HIV/AIDS, a dramatic increase in the use of disposable gloves by all types of healthcare staff has occurred to aid in protecting oneself and to help stop the transmission of diseases.  To reduce the risk of transmitting bacterial infections and other blood-borne infectious agents or bodily fluids, all nurses and doctors wear disposable medical gloves.  The main function of these gloves is to create a protective barrier between the patient and the healthcare worker and to also facilitate general hand hygiene.   

There are a variety of gloves on the market.  Medical gloves were traditionally made with latex.  Latex gloves should fit like a second skin.  This type of glove offers a higher degree of protection, strength and elasticity.  Latex gloves are thicker and stronger than most other types of gloves made.  These types of gloves are the most popular and most often used.  Nitrile gloves are protein free, which result in less allergic reactions.  They are puncture and tear resistant and resist many chemicals.  Nitrile gloves provide a high degree of softness, sensitivity and feel.  Nitrile gloves are more costly, averaging two-three times the price.  Vinyl gloves offer the best in price affordability, yet still offer the same durability as the other gloves types.  They are made from poly vinyl chloride.  They are made to withstand acids, fats and alcohols and have superior anti-static properties.  Synthethic gloves are an alternative for those who are allergic to latex products.  This type of glove is flexible and should fit everyone comfortably. 

There are two main types of gloves: examination gloves and surgical gloves.  Surgical gloves are made to higher specifications and should fit more precisely.  There are many factors that come into play when choosing the right type of glove to wear.  You should anticipate the risk level involved.  You should select the glove type that offers the most effective barrier, the most comfort and the most durability for the task at hand.  Latex gloves are recommended for the highest risk factor and vinyl gloves are appropriate for the lowest risk factor.  Choosing the right type of glove to wear depends on the required tasks, procedures and hazards being encountered.  Selecting the type of glove worn should not be based on price but of the amount of protection needed at the time.    

In conclusion, healthcare workers need to select the correct type of glove that will provide an effective barrier for protection, the best durability, the most comfort and the most affordable cost.