Nitrile Exam Gloves, just like their counterparts, latex and vinyl gloves are assigned different grades by the Food and Drug Administration depending on their quality, thickness and formula or application.  Medical grade gloves are used in surgical procedures and examinations that will put the wearer in contact with bodily fluids.  These are the strongest, highest quality grade of gloves available.  The second grade is the “high risk” category which is used by paramedics and EMTs.  Then there is the utility category which is still tested to meet certain basic standards, but is not recommended for medical use or in any application where absolute and complete protection is required.  Utility grade gloves still provide a highly effective barrier against the skin and are recommended for work such as in the automotive industry.

Compared to latex and vinyl, nitrile exam gloves are more expensive and are therefore typically restricted to certain categories within the hospital settings such as pharmacology, oncology, phlebotomy, ER and critical and non-critical care units.   Their superior strength, durability and decreased likelihood of causing an allergic reaction make these flexible gloves an ideal choice for anyone who is allergic to the typical latex glove.  They are also dusted with cornstarch powder (non powdered versions are also available) to make gripping and using instruments and devices easier for the wearer.

Another unique feature of nitrile gloves that typically isn’t seen in any other application besides the deftness required for surgical gloves is their ability to conform to the shape of the hand by body heat alone.  This makes them much more comfortable and true to form.  While being protected from toxins and fluids can make some types of gloves thicker, these types of medical gloves offer enhanced sensitivity to make it easy to perform common procedures such as checking a patient’s pulse or looking for other abnormalities on the body.   Nitrile is also highly durable and resistant to rips, tears and holes.  Because of their strong contoured fit to the hand, it’s also easy to spot even the smallest puncture hole in a nitrile glove.

Last but not least, when buying nitrile gloves, it’s best to keep them stored in a cool, dry place.  Excess exposure to direct sunlight will weaken the synthetic polymer material and may increase the risk that the gloves will tear more easily or sooner than they ordinarily would.

Still, it’s hard to beat latex gloves for their comfort and strength.  These highly durable gloves are extremely resistant to tears, holes and rips, and their added tacky coating makes it easier to grasp and hold delicate instruments.  Doctors consistently remark that these gloves fit like a second skin, making them a favorite when used for surgeries of all kinds.  Of all the types of medical and examination gloves available, latex is the only variety that stands up best to wetness and can easily handle chemical exposure from both acids and alkalis.

In addition to all of these benefits, perhaps the most important reason to choose latex gloves is their superior sensitivity.  When checking for anything abnormal on the body, having a greater sensitivity to touch allows the doctor or surgeon to immediately know if something warrants a closer examination.  In cases like these, latex gloves are a practical choice that works to keep out bodily fluids while making it easy for the physician to examine the patient more fully.

When buying gloves for any purpose, ensure you buy the type properly suited for the task, as there are both medical grade and general purpose gloves.  Powdered and non powdered varieties are available (the powder is most often simply corn starch) and enables the gloves to have a stronger, non slip grip, however the powdered variety enables more of the rubber protein to come in contact with the skin, increasing the chance for an allergic reaction.  Depending on the work involved, powdered gloves may also cause concern for greater infection risk, therefore only non powdered latex exam gloves should be used where open incisions and open surgical procedures are concerned.

If you work primarily in a chemical or pharmaceutical environment, and handle drugs or materials which could cause undesirable side effects (such as chemotherapy medicines), latex gloves offer fantastic protection, but may react with the chemicals and may add to the problem of dry, chapped hands – particularly if you wash and dry your hands often every time you slip on a pair.  In these cases, nitrile gloves are a better choice because of their increased protection against chemicals including acids and alkali solutions.   They’re also a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin or a latex allergy.  In some cases, the cost of nitrile gloves can be off putting, however the excellent barrier they provide against the skin makes them a strong recommendation for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.  When buying nitrile gloves, be sure to check the thickness and formula grade of the gloves to determine if they meet the necessary requirements for the handling of certain drugs or chemicals.  All examination glove manufacturers conduct tests to determine the rigidity, strength and moisture of their gloves.

As with all kinds of examination gloves, nitrile and latex gloves are not completely resistant to wear and tear.  These gloves can be ripped, torn or poked with enough effort.  However, it is generally easy to tell when these gloves are no longer usable.  Cheaper gloves, like vinyl gloves are not recommended for examination use because of the likelihood of exposure to bodily fluids or chemicals being absorbed through the barrier and passing through to the skin.  Therefore, it’s best to choose higher grade examination gloves when the likelihood of skin contact is greater.

As with all types of hospital equipment, buying exam gloves shouldn’t be solely focused around things like price or quantity, but rather how the gloves will be used. In surgical cases, the most common type of glove used is latex. With their incredible strength and elasticity, latex gloves have provided a safe, effective barrier against contamination and infection for over a century. This, in turn, has drastically reduced the spread of contagious diseases and bacterial infections – especially in areas like hospitals and clinics where additional health issues can crop up suddenly – even going so far as to result in the patient’s death. With a consistent supply of latex surgical gloves, the surgeon is able to help reduce the risk of a secondary infection while staying protected and secure against possible direct contact with bodily fluids.

For all their benefits, latex gloves can also be impossible for others to wear because of an allergy to the rubber protein that makes up the latex. In these people, wearing latex gloves can cause an uncomfortable allergic reaction such as eczema or psoriasis. Until recently, there were few alternatives that provided the versatility and protection of latex without causing skin problems in sensitive individuals. Fortunately, recent advances in the making of surgical gloves has created a synthetic material that’s as strong as latex, but without the rubber materials that cause allergies.

Both latex and synthetic gloves are made of a soft, supple material that neatly conforms to the hand while the tacky coating makes it easy to grip surgical instruments or small parts without slipping or dropping them. Many people who wear medical gloves on a daily basis swear by the confidence that the “second skin” of medical grade gloves gives them. When conditions are demanding, it pays to know you can rely on gloves that are engineered not to easily rip or tear.

The bottom line is this. When it comes to choosing the best surgical gloves for any operation, large or small, having both latex and synthetic gloves will provide a wide range of protection while delivering added dexterity that cheap medical gloves simply can’t compare to. It also reduces the likelihood of skin reactions while providing increased versatility in a wide variety of uses and settings. Who would ever think that something as routine and common as selecting the right kind of exam gloves not only adds to your personal comfort and confidence, but can also give you the best possible chance to reduce infection rates and possibly save a life?

Vinyl Gloves – These are incredibly affordable and comfortable, making them ideal for frequent use. As the most economical value when it comes to disposable gloves, vinyl gloves should not be used in high risk situations such as surgeries or when you may come in contact with bodily fluids from patients. They are prone to rips and tears with repeated use, however their anti-static properties and resistance to certain substances such as alcohols and acids are second to none – making vinyl medical gloves a highly recommended choice for this purpose.

Latex Gloves – The most popular type of glove for surgeries, high risk and heavy duty use. Latex medical gloves have been the most popular choice of gloves in the medical profession for well over a century. Their supple construction makes latex gloves fit like a second skin, while their slightly sticky exterior makes it easy to grasp surgical instruments and other devices without fumbling. The rubber proteins that make up latex gloves may cause allergies and skin reactions in some people, so they are not recommended for sensitive skin. However, their resiliency and toughness stay true under even the harshest demands, making them a must-have for any fast paced hospital, clinic or medical institution.

Nitrile Gloves – Nitrile medical gloves don’t cause a skin reaction the way latex can and are highly durable and resistant to tears, rips and holes. Unlike other types of gloves, nitrile gloves are activated by your body heat to conform to the shape of your hand for a unique fit. Like latex gloves, nitrile gloves have a tacky outer layer which makes it easy to grasp and handle items. In addition to their superior use in the medical field, nitrile gloves are also an ideal choice to help avoid skin contact with oils, grease and solvents and are highly recommended for the medical field as well as in automotive and industrial businesses.

Synthetic Gloves – Made as a hypoallergenic alternative to latex, synthetic medical gloves offer the same type of premium grade protection without the risk of irritating the skin. They’re extremely resilient, flexible and comfortable for even the most demanding uses in the medical field and beyond. Because of their unique material makeup, synthetic gloves can also allow you to freely touch, inspect and examine areas requiring greater dexterity and nimbleness of the hands.