Could someone please post why non latex gloves are so important. What are the other options and why they make a difference.
Because latex allergies are somewhat common.
Latex allergy in the general population is actually fairly rare, about the same as, say, peanut allergy, but increased exposure to latex increases the incidence. So, while the incidence in the general population is less than 1%, it’s about 10% among health care workers. That’s the main driving force for non-latex gloves. OSHA regulations play a big role.
Anaphylaxis as a consequence of latex allergy is rare, but it’s deadly if it occurs, and you can’t really predict which people are going to go from sensitization to anaphylaxis, and when.
Latex-free gloves are starting to be the norm just to avoid untoward consequences to patients, especially in emergency situations where the patient may be unconscious and unable to relay allergy information. The above post is correct as well, as a fair percentage of hospital staff also have latex allergy. Both types should be available in the hospital but for EMS or units with limited resources, you’ll probably just get latex-free.
I for one absolutely hate latex-free gloves because they do not conform to your hands, have a powdery film on them which contributes to them not staying in place, and make examining patients almost impossible. And just forget procedures which require fine motor skills such as putting in lines. I will not wear them anymore. Thankfully I don’t have a latex allergy. :dirol:
Good thing I don’t use condoms anymore, I might get a latex allergy…
:lol::lol:
Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t the patient just as susceptible to the latex as the wearer?
(I really have no idea and I’m not being a smart ass)
read the first sentence from my post:
Latex-free gloves are starting to be the norm just to avoid untoward consequences to patients, especially in emergency situations where the patient may be unconscious and unable to relay allergy information.
I said I am thankful I don’t have latex allergy because I can choose not to wear those terrible latex-free gloves.
Well, you know what they say… comprehension is key. It’s apparent that my comprehension doesn’t turn on until after the THIRD cup of coffee. 
On cup #2 myself…
No, repeated exposure is a component of latex sensitivity, so health care workers, who wear gloves a lot, are more likely to develop issues than patients.
Certainly, the general public can be latex sensitive, but the incidence is less than 1% as opposed to health care workers where the incidence of latex sensitivity is 10% or greater. Anaphylaxis in both groups is rare. Latex-sensitive health care people who wear latex gloves are far more likely to get local skin reaction of varying severity.
The current crop of sterile gloves for OR use tend to be mostly some sort of vinyl rather than latex. Those gloves, for that purpose, are pretty good these days and most surgeons find them to be perfectly acceptable or use in the OR where tactile sensation is obviously very important. At our facility, we went through endless trials of various brands before we found one that was acceptable to all the surgeons. They are substantially more expensive than latex, however. Another component of the rising cost of health care. Exam gloves, however, such as the ones in boxes on the wall in ERs or patient exam rooms are usually pretty bad. For that purpose they’re usable in most circumstances. They’re primary advantage is that they’re cheap.
So what is the preferred glove, nitrile or what? Brands would be helpful for those with experience with them.
My stock is all nitrile, extended cuff, bright colors. Thickness ranges from 5mil to 10mil or so. There are various brands, no preference.
Another consideration is that latex gloves are susceptible to attack by atmospheric oxygen. It’s annoying to pull on a glove that falls apart on your hand.
Probably more of a consideration for people that carry gloves a lot more than they use them.
H
Also, latex gloves are porous at the microscopic level. And it’s reactive with certain chemicals. Nitrile is non-reactive. I found out the hard way when my gloves melted on a patient we pulled out of a drainage tank at an oil refinery.
Sensicares for me. Which, ironically, are latex free. But they don’t bunch up on your fingertips when your hands get dirty.
Should proper fit be quite tight?
It should be snug. Tight will act as a compression dressing on your hands. Makes the gloves easier to rip during flexing or use. Also can make your hands numb or interfere with your sense of touch after a bit. You want snug like a good shooting glove.
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I know a number of people in healthcare with latex allergies; I’m not sure I’ve met anyone not in healthcare who reacts.
I like latex gloves fine, except they deteriorate as noted, and often don’t seem as durable as nitrile. You may lose a tiny bit of tactile sense, but the confidence in protection makes up for it, IMO.
I like nitrile, at least 5mil.