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Premium Nitrile Medical Gloves
Your Guide to Safe and Durable Protection

 

Are you trying to better understand hand protection in a medical environment and would like to know why nitrile gloves are the preferred choice in health care? Nitrile medical gloves offer the best protection for healthcare professionals. Nitrile disposable gloves are preferred by physicians and nurses for their durability, safety against pathogens, and versatility during medical procedures. Below is a guide that helps you understand what a medical nitrile glove is, and why these gloves represent the best choice for all medical facilities.

This comprehensive guide is designed to enlighten you about the specifics of medical nitrile gloves, delving into what sets them apart from other types of gloves and why they are considered the gold standard in healthcare settings. Whether it’s their strong resistance to punctures and chemicals, their ability to provide a snug, second-skin fit, or their latex-free composition making them safe for individuals with latex allergies, disposable nitrile gloves embody the ideal choice for maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and protection in all medical facilities.

 

Nitrile Glove Options Offered by Surgo

TL;DR - Key Takeaways

  • Nitrile gloves are resilient, latex-free, and suitable for various medical applications, providing strong protection against chemicals, punctures, and rips. They are also available in accelerator-free options for sensitive skin.
  • When selecting disposable nitrile gloves, consider factors like chemical resistance, texture for grip, and thickness for different exposure levels. Choosing a reputable brand ensures quality.
  • Nitrile gloves are now comparable or even cheaper than latex gloves. Although pricier than vinyl, they fit better, are hypoallergenic, and offer superior protection, making them worth the cost.
  • Powder-free disposable nitrile gloves are the new standard, preventing allergic reactions and respiratory issues. The FDA banned powdered gloves, making them obsolete.

 


box of nitrile glove

Understanding Nitrile in Medical Gloves

Nitrile is a synthetic copolymer, composed of acrylonitrile and butadiene, that undergoes a series of processes to transform it into a strong, elastic material. This synthetic rubber is particularly valued for its resistance to oils, fuels, and certain chemicals, making it an ideal candidate for protective gloves in medical settings. The production of nitrile gloves begins with the polymerization of the raw materials, which creates a liquid nitrile substance. This liquid is then cast into a glove form and cured at high temperatures, effectively solidifying the material. The durable gloves are later washed, dried, and tested for quality and durability. As a result, nitrile medical gloves emerge as a safe, durable, and hypoallergenic option, especially for individuals with latex allergies. Nitrile gloves provide high-performance protection in all medical procedures.

Nitrile gloves reduce allergic reactions. Nitrile gloves are latex-free, removing the hazards that go with latex products for healthcare workers and patients. However, occasionally healthcare workers can develop sensitivity to certain nitrile gloves. This is often due to the use of accelerators during the manufacturing process. There are accelerator-free gloves available. Certain chemicals, known as accelerators, are used in the manufacturing process of nitrile gloves to speed up the chemical reaction that forms the synthetic rubber. However, these accelerators can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to contact dermatitis or other skin irritations. Accelerator-free nitrile gloves eliminate these substances, making the gloves safer for those with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities. This advancement in glove technology ensures that all medical professionals can work comfortably and without the risk of allergic reactions, providing a safer environment for everyone in the healthcare industry.

Nitrile gloves come in a variety of colours, each potentially serving a different purpose or preference in the medical field. While the colour of a glove might not affect its fundamental properties such as durability, chemical resistance, or fit, it can have practical implications for their use within a facility.

For instance, blue nitrile gloves are commonly used in medical environments because the blue color allows for an easy visual contrast against light-coloured backgrounds, which helps in identifying breaches or punctures in the glove material. Similarly, black nitrile gloves are favoured in settings where stains and residues are less visible, such as tattoo parlours or automotive work, maintaining a professional appearance even after use. White gloves are often popular in dental clinics. In some practices, different colours of gloves may be used to quickly distinguish between sizes or to delineate between staff roles or departments for efficiency and safety reasons.

Surgo Recommends: PRIMED Nitrile Powder Free Purple Exam Gloves

The Importance & History of Nitrile Gloves in Healthcare


Selecting the Best Disposable Nitrile Gloves for Medical Professionals

The selection of the best disposable gloves is an important decision for medical professionals who require reliable protection and comfort. Gloves must provide a secure fit to prevent tears and ensure effective barrier protection against germs. Below are considerations to help choose the most appropriate glove.

  • Chemical Resistance: If a nitrile glove indicates chemical resistance, especially with a chemo rating, indicates a glove's effectiveness against chemotherapy drugs, ensuring safety for healthcare workers handling these potent agents. This rating is critical when handling certain compounds.

  • Textured Fingertips: Nitrile gloves with textured fingertips provide better grip and dexterity, crucial for precise medical procedures. This is especially important in surgeries or when handling delicate instruments and samples. The textured surface allows healthcare professionals to perform tasks confidently, minimizing the risk of slips or mishandling that could affect patient care.

  • Chlorinated Gloves: Chlorination treatment on nitrile gloves significantly reduces their surface friction, making them easier to put on and take off without powder. This process involves exposing the gloves to chlorine gas or hypochlorous acid/sodium hypochlorite solution, changing the surface's chemical structure. The gloves become smoother and less sticky, allowing for faster application and removal and ensures they can be quickly and easily taken from the box.

  • Fentanyl Approved: These gloves are designed to protect against fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Tested and certified, they resist permeation and degradation by fentanyl, safeguarding healthcare workers from exposure during patient care or when handling contaminated surfaces. Essential for first responders, law enforcement, and medical personnel, these gloves mitigate the risk of fentanyl exposure.


Nitrile gloves stand out as the superior choice in medical protection, offering unmatched benefits. Known for their hypoallergenic nature, impressive durability, compliance with strict regulations, and wide-ranging applicability beyond healthcare, these gloves are indispensable for medical professionals and industrial workers. They provide essential protection against pathogens, chemicals, and allergens, ensuring safety in various settings.

At Surgo Surgical Supply, we are committed to enhancing this protection by offering a diverse and high-quality selection of disposable gloves. Our aim is to ensure everyone has access to the best gloves available, catering to all needs and preferences. Trust Surgo as your reliable partner in maintaining health and safety.

FAQs


What are nitrile gloves made of?

Nitrile gloves are made from nitrile butadiene rubber, a synthetic rubber derived from petroleum. This material is chosen for its high resistance to chemicals, punctures, and oils, making nitrile gloves a durable and protective alternative to natural rubber latex gloves. The synthetic composition also makes them an ideal choice for individuals with latex allergies.

Are nitrile gloves latex-free?

Yes, nitrile gloves are latex-free, making them suitable for individuals with latex allergies.

Can nitrile gloves cause allergies?

Nitrile gloves are generally hypoallergenic, but some individuals may still experience sensitivity to the chemical additives used in the manufacturing process.

Are nitrile gloves biodegradable?

Traditional nitrile gloves are not biodegradable, but there are newer, more environmentally friendly formulations available. At Surgo, we stock the PRIMED Sustain Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves which are specially formulated to attract microbes found in landfills to enhance the enzymatic biodegradation of the material. The Sustain Glove achieves 90% biodegradability in 490 days versus 0.8% in 626 days for standard nitrile formulations.

Do nitrile gloves provide good tactile sensitivity?

Yes, nitrile gloves provide good tactile sensitivity, especially newer formulations that offer improved flexibility and comfort compared to earlier versions.

How should nitrile gloves be stored?

Nitrile gloves should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their integrity and extend their shelf life.

Are nitrile exam gloves resistant to chemicals?

Nitrile gloves provide excellent resistance to many chemicals, including oils, acids, and certain solvents, making them suitable for various industrial and laboratory applications.

In what sizes are nitrile gloves available?

Nitrile gloves typically come in a range of sizes from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL) to accommodate different hand sizes. We sell all sizes at Surgo to ensure you can find the perfect fit.

How do I choose the right size nitrile gloves?

To choose the right size nitrile gloves, measure the circumference of your hand around the widest part (excluding the thumb) and refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart to find the appropriate size.

Why are nitrile medical gloves a better choice than vinyl gloves and latex gloves?

Nitrile gloves are an ideal choice for individuals seeking a reliable alternative to latex, offering a hypoallergenic solution that prevents the discomfort associated with latex allergies. Their superior puncture resistance, compared to vinyl and latex gloves, provides enhanced protection against sharp objects, making them a safer option for our customers. Designed to offer a snug fit, nitrile gloves enhance precision and reduce hand fatigue, ensuring comfort and efficiency during extended use.

Is a Health Canada license required for medical gloves?

Medical gloves are classified as Class II medical devices, and it is a non-negotiable requirement that they must be licensed by Health Canada to ensure legal sale within the country. This licensing acts as a seal of approval, a guarantee that the gloves meet stringent standards of quality and safety for medical use.

What other professions use nitrile gloves?

Nitrile gloves are not confined to the medical arena, they are a vital component of safety protocols in numerous non-medical environments. Industries such as janitorial, food service, and automotive use industrial-grade nitrile gloves for their chemical and puncture resistance. They are also used in the realm of food handling as well as laboratories, tattoo parlours and the printing industry.

What makes nitrile gloves different from latex gloves?

Nitrile gloves, made from synthetic rubber, are hypoallergenic and provide superior resistance to punctures, chemicals, and oils compared to latex gloves, which are made from natural rubber latex and offer excellent elasticity and comfort but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Why is it important to use powder-free nitrile gloves in healthcare settings?

Using powder-free nitrile gloves in healthcare settings is crucial because they minimize the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory issues caused by glove powder, reduce contamination risks by preventing powder from transferring to patients and surfaces, and offer better chemical resistance and durability, ensuring higher protection for both healthcare workers and patients during medical procedures.

How do I select the right nitrile glove thickness for my needs?

Choose thin gloves for precision tasks and thick gloves for protection against harsh chemicals and punctures. Consider the task at hand when selecting the thickness of nitrile gloves.
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