Not just any disposable gloves would do as medical gloves. These gloves have to meet special standard. So, let’s take a look at some tips and details on the type of gloves that can be used for medical purposes.
As a rule, only three materials are used for manufacturing medical gloves. Those are vinyl, natural rubber (latex) and nitrile. Each of these materials has certain pros and cons to offer. Knowing these details may help you to pick the right kind of gloves for medical purposes.
Now, first of all let’s ask and answer some key questions. Here they are: what are the most important qualities to look for in disposable medical gloves? There are several ways to answer this question. First of all, medical gloves have to provide you with great hand and finger sensitivity, otherwise you won’t be able to perform your work well. This means, they have to be comfortable for you to work in.
Secondly, they have to provide high level of protection. Not all the gloves protect you equally well from various agents, such as chemicals. And not all of them prove to be equally durable and strong.
Finally, such exam gloves have to be cost effective, as you buy and through away them regularly. Keep in mind that disposable medical gloves should not be reused. But, on the other hand, you do not want to use several pairs of disposable gloves just to finish one task. So, they have to be strong enough and cost effective at the same time.
Now, which ones of the three above mentioned materials meet these criteria the most? Let’s take a look and see.
Organic rubber (latex) medical gloves have one significant shortcoming. Even though they are durable and possess high chemical resistance, they may evoke allergies. So, for some people they may be out of the question.
Nitrile gloves, on the other hand, provide great alternative to the latex ones, as they are made of synthetic rubber. Few people are allergic to them. They provide your hands with great sensitivity, which makes them a preferable choice for many people. However, they also have one shortcoming. These gloves are not fit well for surgical medicine, as they do not stand well moist environment.
Finally, vinyl medical gloves are made of polymers. They are pretty cost effective and highly resistant to grease. As a rule these gloves do not irritate your skin or evoke allergies. The downside of vinyl medical gloves is that they are not as durable as the other kinds.
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