Surgical Gloves
Surgical gloves are the items of protective equipment for the doctors and
surgeons as much for the patient. The gloves reduce the risk of exposure to
pathogens for the health worker as well as the patient. Any health worker
wears a glove whenever there is a possibility of hand coming in contact with
the infectious materials, mucous membranes or non-intact skin, when
performing vascular access procedures; and when handling contaminated items
or surfaces.
The gloves need to be changed at every instance of getting contaminated. An
added precaution is that the hands should be washed every time before
wearing and after removing the gloves.
Types of gloves
As per the usage there are two broad categories of gloves:
medical grade
or examination gloves that are non-sterile and
surgical grade gloves
that are sterile.
Medical-grade gloves are manufactured with natural rubber latex or
synthetic rubber materials, like vinyl, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or
other synthetic compounds. While selecting the type of examination glove the
material properties should be taken into consideration. Vinyl gloves can be
used for short duration tasks where the stress on the gloves and exposure to
body fluids is less. On the contrary latex gloves can be used when the
exposure to the body fluids is more. They are also more durable and
flexible.
One has to be more selective while selecting surgical gloves. They can be
latex or synthetic and the selection is as per personal preference and the
requirement of the procedure. Standard white latex, powder-free latex,
orthopedic latex (a thicker material) are few types of commonly used ones.
Features of surgical gloves
- Easy donning and removal.
- Soft and comfortable in use.
- Secure grip and handling.
- Low allergenicity.
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Surgical gloves are manufactured considering a broad variety of
formulations and features, ensuring reduce allergen content. These gloves
provide appropriate barrier protection for all healthcare professionals.
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