Research of Different Types of Gloves Used in Health Care Places

Contents:

Introduction 3

Examples of gloves comparable studies and results 3

How to select gloves in your lab? 3

Current situation in HMC Lab. Dept. 5

Recommendation 5

Conclusion 6

References 7

Introduction:

Because of AIDS epidemic, the concern of healthcare workers and patients about medical gloves quality and barrier effectiveness has increased in recent years. Out of this concern, there has been enormous amount of studies by researches funded by healthcare centers, quality controllers of governmental health organizations, or even manufacturers to evaluate the effect of gloves on barrier quality.

Examples of Glove's Comparable Studies and results:

Types of Gloves investigated:

1. Latex

* Examination gloves-thin (sterile or non sterile)

* Surgical gloves-thick (sterile)

2. Non-Latex

* Nitril

* Vinyl

* Neoprene

* Isoprene

e.g.1) Korniewicz & etal (2003) had conducted a study to demonstrate the risk factor for both Latex and non-latex gloves. All gloves were examined in the laboratory for both,

1- visual defect 2- barrier integrity

The study revealed that latex and non-latex gloves fail under different conditions.

* Latex gloves fail primarily due to length of use (duration of use over 6 hrs is a defect factor)

* Non-Latex gloves are more sensitive to conditions of use (e.g., type of healthcare work & type of surgery.

e.g.2) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted some tests on latex gloves. They used American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard test for quality assurance of gloves. Ended up with:

i) Individual's risk of infection is related to the frequency and amount of exposure to virus-containing fluids.

ii) Given the small but finite possibility of infection via gloves pinholes and the larger possibility from tears and breaks, it is reasonable to consider changes in the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) at this time to reduce unwanted exposure.

The FDA is still working with ASTM to raise QA standards when needed.

How to Select Gloves in your Lab?

The intended use of a glove determines the type of gloves needed. Variables include:

1. Potential for exposure to hazardous material and infectious agents.

2. The frequency of gloves to use

3. Duration of single use.

4. Fit and comfort.

5. Allergy concerns (latex allergy, or type IV chemical hypersensitivity).

Table 1, will show a comparison of the three types of the most used gloves in a healthcare places.

Latex Gloves Nitril Gloves Vinyl Gloves

-Manufactured using rubber tree

-In all sizes: small to extra large

-Resistant to some chemicals

-Ambidextrous

-Excellent strength & dexterity

-Increased sensitivity, comfortable & fitting

-Texture for improved grip

-Available powdered or free

-Low protein levels

-Using in:

* Food preparation &handling

* Medical

* Dental

* Veterinary

* First aid/emergency services

* Electronics

* Pharmaceutical

* Automotive industry -Made of synthetic Polymer

-No protein allergen

-Anti static behavior

-Non-sterile, ambidextrous, single use

-Good chemical resistance to a wide range of chemicals

-3 times more puncture resistant of natural rubber or vinyl gloves

-High flexibility

-Latex and protein free

- Solvent resistant

-Conforms to the shape of your hand

-The softness & sensitivity of the gloves are indisputable

-Variety of sizes

-Nitril has longer shelf life than natural latex

-Lower failure rate than latex

-Powder free

-Resistance to roughness

-Beaded cuff for added strength

-Resist lots of chemicals such as greases, oils, solvents & alkali solutions.

-Made from Polyvinyl