Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves prevent cross-contamination between patients and carers, as well as providing protection against bacteria, viruses and germs. Different types of disposable gloves include latex gloves, nitrile gloves and vinyl gloves.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber which offers a high level of protection. They are commonly used in medical and laboratory settings. They are either blue or black in colour to highlight where there has been a puncture. They should be disposed of after each use to avoid cross-contamination. They have the following attributes:

• Puncture resistant
• High touch sensitivity level
• Have resistance to many chemicals
• Long expiry dates
• Can be worn for a long period of time
• Offer the most protection against hazardous chemicals

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are popular in the food industry as they are the most cost-effective option. They are not as strong or durable as Nitrile or Latex gloves. They also do not offer much protection against hazardous chemicals and have a looser fit.

They have the following attributes:

• Cheap
• Latex-free
• Easy fit
• Anti-static
• Low allergic response

You must make sure that you have the right size gloves. Gloves that are too big can cause grip to be reduced if they are too loose. Gloves that are too small risk being ripped which can increase the risk of contamination. It is important to dispose of your gloves after each use to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. For example, if you wear gloves to the shop, they should be disposed of in a bin before getting back into your car. Another pair of gloves should be worn to take your shopping into your house and those should be disposed of. You should wash your hands with soap and water after taking off your gloves.

Medical professionals are required to wear disposable gloves. This is because they do provide protection against harmful viruses and bacteria when used correctly. If you regularly change gloves when you move from one environment to another, they will act as a barrier helping to avoid cross-contamination.