Latex Gloves

Latex Gloves, also called NRL gloves (Natural rubber latex) remain the first choice of many healthcare workers: the gold standard of functionality, comfort, tactile sensitivity, and low cost against which all alternatives were judged. However, the increase in latex allergies has caused many healthcare workers to try the the non-latex glove solutions.
Synthetics Gloves – Non-Latex Solutions
The three major categories of synthetics are plastics;

Polyvinyl chloride- Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl Gloves remains the most widely used non-latex glove. Vinyl provides adequate barrier protection, especially for short-term procedures or general patient care. Furthermore Vinyl Gloves have a relatively low cost, are easily available, and avoids concerns regarding latex sensitivity.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile Gloves costs more than Vinyl Gloves, but it delivers more. Its barrier properties, fit, and function have been shown to be similar to latex. However, unlike Vinyl Gloves, the nitrile Gloves tends to stretch and relax with hand movement, which translates to a soft, comfortable, flexible fit even during extended wear and hand manipulation. The majority of nitrile gloves are powder-free with a polymer coating added for ease of donning.

Surgical Gloves

As with exam gloves, the major protective role of surgical gloves is against bloodborne and other pathogens. Focus on surgical gloves has been less than the low-cost examination glove. Primary reasons for this are the frequency and duration of use, the number of workers that use the product, and that surgeons require greater dexterity and tactile sensitivity. Sterile surgical gloves are available in NRL as well as the other synthetic gloves that are listed above, just at a higher cost.