Using gloves to protect your hands from contracting diseases during medical work is a simple and effective way. Since 1987, gloves have become key components for medical professionals. Because of the different purposes under different circumstances, gloves have developed into many kinds of types, and, well aware of these types, the cost is reduced and safety is increased for both patients and medical professionals.
Basically, there are three types of gloves used in medical work: examination, surgical and service gloves, or heavy household gloves.
1. Gloves for inspection
Workers use these gloves when they perform their normal duties, sometimes in contact with mucous membranes and skin. As a rule, these gloves are made of vinyl, a synthetic material that can be made easily and not very expensive. While vinyl is inelastic (not as good as latex), the gloves are often free-fitting and can be easily removed. In some cases, control gloves are necessary for better quality and are made from latex or nitrile and can be bought at health-care stores in most cities. Remember that all control gloves are very thin and cannot be recycled for reuse.
2. Surgical gloves
These gloves should be worn during some infectious medical procedures and surgical work. Workers use them for all procedures, including contact with a tissue deep under the skin. The best material for surgical gloves is latex rubber, because rubber has natural elasticity, sensitivity and good durability, and this provides a comfortable feeling. However, it is also more expensive than vinyl, and has a serious latex allergy problem; a new synthetic rubber-like material called nitrile was developed. It has properties similar to latex. Nitrile gloves are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Unlike examination gloves, surgical gloves can be reused. However, they must be carefully checked for tears or cuts before final processing.
3. Gloves service or heavy household
They should be worn in handling and control equipment, appliances or other machines for use in healthcare; in cleaning contaminated debris and disinfecting all contaminated equipment. For example, they can be used in the handling of used tools and equipment that may come in contact with blood or body fluids, as well as for the treatment of medical waste and bed linen. Because of this, service gloves are made of thick rubber. Thus, these gloves are much less sensitive, have good durability performance and provide maximum protection as a barrier. Although these gloves are often less flexible and can cause workers to fall uncomfortable.
This is a brief introduction of the types of medical gloves, and I hope this can help you.
