One of the ways in which you can protect your surgical team from blood-born pathogens and bodily fluids is through the use of Sterile Gloves. These play the first line of defense for your surgical team. This is why it’s important to think about the following considerations.

Glove Material

There are several different types of material that gloves can be made from. These include latex, nitrile, and vinyl (used for exams only). Typically surgeons will choose latex because it’s both comfortable and flexible. However, a growing number of people are allergic to latex which is why nitrile gloves are growing in popularity today.

Powdered vs Unpowdered

Most surgical teams have preferred powdered gloves in the past because the cornstarch inside of them makes it easier to slip the gloves over your hands. Unfortunately, if the powder from the Sterile Gloves came into contact with exposed tissue it could result in an infection that’ll slow the healing process. This is why the USA FDA (Federal Drug Administration) banned their use as of January 19, 2017.

Fit and Comfort

One of the most important considerations when choosing Sterile Gloves for your medical team is how well they fit. You want everyone who wears these gloves to feel confident that they’ll be able to easily maneuver their hands during a procedure. This is why you want to pay special attention to the size charts on the manufacturer’s websites.

Level of Protection

It’s important to consider how much protection your team will need on a regular basis. Once you’ve taken a moment to think about this you’ll also need to determine the barrier requirements of such procedures. This is important because you want to make sure that the gloves have the right amount of thickness, puncture resistance, and tensile strength.

Overall Quality vs. Cost

Both quality and cost are important considerations. While you want a good value you shouldn’t choose the least expensive option if it doesn’t fit your needs. Doing so would be a waste of money.

The Bottom Line

While Sterile Gloves can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons, it’s also important to take these other considerations into account as well. Things like safety, cost, and clinical efficacy are also important. Now that you’ve had a moment to think about these things hopefully you’ll feel more prepared to choose the best pair for your team.