Latex gloves are among the most needed medical accessories today because they provide protection for both medical personnel and patients. By wearing gloves, healthcare providers can prevent the possible spread of infection among their patients and reinforce sanitation control. In addition, they can also protect themselves from incurring diseases from their sick patients. Most latex medical gloves have cornstarch applied to them for lubrication, except when used in surgeries.
Advantages
Although vinyl and nitrile rubber are alternative materials used in making medical gloves, latex remains the top choice for medical practitioners. Here are some of the reasons why.
Sensitive and slip resistant: Most latex gloves are specifically designed to have a brassy texture that makes them more slip resistant compared to other kinds of gloves. They can also provide superior movement control, which is crucial when performing delicate medical procedures.
Perfect fit: These medical gloves are made from latex, a form of natural rubber that makes them fit perfectly, like a second skin. Most health workers prefer latex gloves because they can provide them great sensitivity, especially during critical and high-risk activities such as surgeries. Also, latex gloves are easier to use, especially in emergency situations, because they are designed to be ambidextrous.
Durabile: Latex gloves are thicker and more elastic than most counterparts, making them more resistant to wear and tear from use. These gloves also have a low rate of fluid leakage and can offer great resistance against oils and acids.
Cheap: Most hospitals cannot afford to switch to high-grade non latex gloves because they cost twice as much as their latex counterpart.
Disadvantages
In spite of the durability and flexibility that attract most healthcare settings into using latex gloves, these medical tools can cause allergic reactions. There are two types of latex allergies:
Delayed allergy: occurs due to the chemicals used in making latex gloves, such as emulsifiers and rubber stabilizers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, skin may react 24-48 hours after extended exposure to latex gloves.
Immediate allergy: takes place because of the person’s natural allergy to the latex’s high protein content. Hypersensitive people may experience facial swelling, watery eyes and even anaphylaxis attacks. This type of allergic reaction is regarded as life-threatening.
Latex gloves are still the most widely used medical gloves among healthcare providers, despite the possible adverse reactions experiences by some people.