Comparing Disposable Gloves
Latex v. Nitrile v. Vinyl and Polyethylene
Disposable gloves are probably the most commonly used item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When purchasing gloves it is critical to consider their intended use and purchase the type of material best suited for that use. The most common gloves found in a healthcare setting are those manufactured from latex, nitrile, and either vinyl or polyethylene (1). This blog post provides a simplified comparison between each of these types, and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each.
As the Covid-19 crisis has created a significant strain on PPE supply lines, the CDC has provided guidelines for optimizing the available supply of disposable gloves and has provided a chart highlighting gloves similar to FDA-cleared surgical and examination gloves, but approved under other U. S. or international standards (3). That information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/gloves.html
Latex
Natural rubber glove made from Hevea brasiliensis tree sap
Some individuals may have an allergy to latex
Chlorination/polymer coating added for easy donning and doffing
Powdered gloves were banned by the FDA in 2016 (2)
Glove is thin, stretchy, and tight-fitting, allowing user to maintain optimum tactile sensation even with long-term wear
Excellent fit enables fine motor control during delicate procedures and double-gloving for procedures still allows user great dexterity
Difficult to tell when the glove has been compromised
Strong enough for handling infectious materials, but not effective against chemicals or solvents (1)
Biodegradable, but it can take decades to do so; recycling is possible with highly specialized waste-management programs (6) (7)
Available in both non-sterile exam and sterile surgical grade
Surgical-grade latex gloves offer the best available protection against bacteria and viruses (1)
Nitrile
Most popular gloves, used widely in medical settings
Made from heating and blending natural rubber with a synthetic tripolymer; produces an end product with the feel of natural rubber, but without the latex (5)
Nitrile gloves do not contain natural proteins; there is little chance of an allergic reaction, as allergies to petroleum products are extremely rare
Strong, elastic, and puncture resistant (1)
Nitrile gloves are up to 5 times stronger than latex, significantly improving the level of user protection (5)
Fluid-safe and excellent chemical resistance (1)
Biodegradable, but it can take decades to do so; recycling is possible with highly specialized waste-management programs (6) (7)
Manufacturing techniques have improved the fit of nitrile gloves, making them comparable to latex gloves for delicate or highly tactile work
Tendency to tear when punctured, making it immediately apparent that the glove has been compromised
Available in both non-sterile exam and sterile surgical grade
Surgical-grade nitrile gloves offer the best protection when dealing with chemicals or other harmful agents (1)
inyl or Polyethylene
Fully synthetic manufacturing from either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene
Inelastic, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable
Ideal for high turnover situations where the aim is preventing contamination by the handler, such as food service (1)
Latex-free, allergies to PVC is extremely rare
Loose fit can be a disadvantage for delicate work; non-sterile only
Cheap to mass-produce
Anti-static
Not biohazard or chemical safe (1)
Not biodegradable; may be recyclable in certain circumstances (6) (7)
Best for non-hazardous, light hospital procedures where the aim is protecting the environment from contamination by the user (1)
Latex v. Nitrile v. Vinyl and Polyethylene Disposable gloves are probably the most commonly used item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When purchasing gloves it is critical to consider their intended use and purchase the type of material best suited for that use. The most common gloves found in a healthcare setting are those manufactured…