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Disposable gloves are an essential part of protective equipment worn by medical professionals and everyone working in a healthcare environment. It works both ways by protecting the healthcare providers from pathogenic microbes around while protecting the patients as well from contracting microbes from other patients through hand contact with the healthcare provider.
We might think that disposable gloves are created equal but there are actually different kinds of gloves to choose from depending on safety needs. You should pick the right disposable gloves depending on the medical environment you’re working in to be sure that your safety won’t be compromised. Read along to learn more about the 3 different kinds of disposable gloves.
Latex
Latex gloves are the first type of Disposable gloves being invented. It provides good protection from blood-borne pathogens, making it perfect for medical settings. However, some people tend to be allergic to the compounds found in latex gloves, making them unable to wear those.
Many healthcare institutions use latex gloves because it is effective, comfortable to use, and even cost-efficient. Later on, latex-free alternatives have been developed for those who are allergic to latex. These are the nitrile and vinyl gloves. As long as you’re not allergic, latex gloves are suitable to use in any healthcare environment.
Nitrile
Nitrile gloves are developed as the main alternative to latex gloves. They may not be as elastic and flexible compared to latex, but nitrile is a lot durable against chemicals. This type of gloves is more commonly used by people who are handling corrosive or potentially hazardous chemicals since you can be sure that you’ll be protected from those chemicals. Aside from that, gloves made from nitrile also boast a puncture-resistant feature, making them perfect for use in medical settings. If you have a latex allergy, nitrile is the best alternative for you.
Vinyl
Vinyl gloves are created from PVC, making their manufacturing costs lower compared to their latex and nitrile counterparts. However, because it is less costly, its durability is not that great compared to the other two disposable glove types.
It could tear up when stretched too much and could get easily punctured. Vinyl gloves aren’t much recommended for use in medical settings especially in areas with high contamination risks. However, it can still be used as a piece of protective equipment in non-hazardous environments and areas with low-infection risks.
Disposable gloves are one of the most common protective gear worn by medical staff and those who are working in a medical setting. It provides protection from cross-contamination between the medical staff and the patients. Aside from that, it also keeps the medical staff safe when handling chemical and even infectious specimens in the laboratory. Since they are disposable, it needs to be thrown and replaced after every use to maintain safety.
Once you know the different types of disposable gloves, it would now be a lot easier to choose which one suits you best depending on your safety needs and other special preferences as well.
