4 Things to Consider When Buying Surgical Gloves

1. 4 Things to Consider When Buying Surgical Gloves

2. 1. Glove Material • Latex Latex offers a high level of performance, comfort, and flexibility, and also fits a variety of glove types and sizes. Latex gloves offer a variety of benefits Latex Powder Free Examination Gloves easy for the team to put on, and many brands include a polymer coating that replaces the traditional cornstarch powder inside. Many surgical teams report that latex surgical gloves offer the most comfortable and flexible fit and provide a high level of sensitivity. Additionally, latex offers an effective barrier against pathogens and contaminants. 

3. Glove Material • Nitrile Some teams have moved to surgical gloves made of nitrile, which is a synthetic rubber fabric that offers a latex-free option. They are stronger than latex or vinyl and boast the best resistance to needle sticks and abrasions. Nitrile gloves are often used as an appropriate alternative for those with latex allergies. These non-latex surgical gloves offer higher barrier protection from exposure to chemicals and can mold to the surgeon's hand for a comfortable fit.

4. Glove Material • Vinyl Medical gloves made from vinyl are available but should be relegated to examination gloves only. Vinyl gloves are inexpensive and latex-free for those with latex allergies, but they also are less durable and more likely to suffer punctures and tears. In fact, vinyl gloves offer the lowest level of both chemical and puncture resistance overall. In addition, they are less elastic than either disposable nitrile or latex, which means your team sacrifices comfort, flexibility, and overall fit when you choose vinyl gloves. 

5. 2. Powdered Gloves vs. Unpowdered Surgical teams preferred powdered disposable gloves, which typically contained cornstarch inside, making them easier to slip over hands. While the ease of use was certainly one benefit of using powdered surgical gloves, the powder itself could create complications if it comes in contact with exposed tissue during a procedure or surgical incision. In some cases, contact with the powder resulted in infection and slowed down the overall healing process. Many manufacturers now employ specific processes to make sure powder-free gloves have the same easy on/off feel as those with powder.

6. 3. Double-Gloving Some surgical teams prefer the practice of double-gloving – wearing two sets of surgical gloves in order to maximize protection. This practice can dramatically reduce the risk of infection for everyone involved in a surgical procedure. In fact, one clinical study has shown that the double-gloving practice can reduce exposure to blood borne pathogens by as much as 87 percent, even when the outer glove suffers a puncture.  • 4. Compatibility with Existing Products You'll want to make sure that the gloves you select are compatible with other, existing surgical products in your operating room everything from surgical lights to surgical blades. A good way to do this is to study several surgical gloves and have your surgical team give them a test run, using the existing operating room supplies.

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