Latex vs. Nitrile vs. Vinyl: Selecting the Appropriate Medical Gloves to Wear
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Latex vs. Nitrile vs. Vinyl: Selecting the Appropriate Medical Gloves to Wear
When choosing the gloves to wear in your medical operations, do note that not all gloves are created equal. Between latex, nitrile and vinyl gloves…it is a must that one considers which type is the ideal choice. Although most gloves may look the same, the materials they are made of vary drastically. It is important to take note of the benefits and drawbacks of each material when selecting gloves that meet one’s need.
If you have trouble deciding which glove is the right one for you, listed below are the characteristics of the three common materials used in manufacturing gloves that will help guide you what to wear.
These gloves are made from the saps extracted from the latex ducts of rubber trees. These are natural materials made out of rubber. They’re basically the top choice when it comes to protective glove for medical or industrial use. Latex gloves still are a popular choice on the market when it comes to elasticity, resiliency, and fitting material consistency, even with the introduction of synthetic materials.
Pros
Acts and fits like a second layer of skin
Suited for wearing for an extended amount of time
Have a high level of touch sensitivity
Efficient for high-risk situations involving infectious material
Elastic and strong
Biodegradable
Cons
Allergic reactions for some users
Costs fluctuation according to prices of natural sources
Not as chemical resistant as other glove types
NITRILE GLOVES
Nitrile gloves are made out of a synthetic rubber. Gloves of these types’ works perfect as an alternative to those having latex allergies. They are often referred to as “medical grade” gloves. These gloves are the best choice when it comes to resistance to punctures. It provides better protection against germs and viruses than vinyl gloves. Being a synthetic material, nitrile gloves have longer shelf life than natural rubber.
A little expensive compare to latex and vinyl gloves
VINYL GLOVES
Vinyl gloves are also made with synthetically derived polymer material. This polymer, more commonly known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a petroleum-based film which is not molecularly cross-linked, in contrast to latex or nitrile. Most vinyl gloves are manufactured with cornstarch or other light powder inside to help the user slide it on with ease.
When choosing the appropriate glove to use, it is very important and should be done based on where you’ll be using the gloves for, allergic reactions, and cost. Going for gloves that are the correct size of your hand, that not only provide the most suitable fit, but it also keeps the gloves securely in place; thus, reducing the chance of exposure to harmful bacteria.
The cornstarch based powder that comes in the powdered and lightly-powdered gloves are also reported to giving allergic reactions to some people. This could be also be a factor to consider in choosing to use powdered, lightly-powdered or powder free gloves.
About Us
StaySafe Medical Clothing, the branded medical wear division of AdvaCare Pharma produces high-quality but affordable medical gloves based on your medical and surgical needs. Contact us now to know more about our products and stay connected to us via our official social media accounts.
