Medical gloves are designed to protect the user from the bodily fluids of others while they are providing first aid to someone in need. The main three options that users have when selecting a medical glove are vinyl, latex and nitrile and the selection is generally made based upon the application.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an economical choice, and is used when there is a low risk of infection for the user and the patient. Vinyl can be susceptible to tears and pinholes when they are stressed. Vinyl sterile gloves are recommended for none body fluid contact and other activities such as food handling.
Latex
Latex has long been the choice for both examination and surgical applications, because it is strong and offers a nice fit. Latex is one of the most common kinds of medical gloves and if you need gloves somewhere, they are the kind you are likely to find. Latex gloves offer protection for blood contact and incontinence care. Of course, you must be careful and select a different type of glove if you or the patient is allergic to latex.
Nitrile
Nitrile medical gloves have become more popular recently because they are even tougher to tear or rip than a latex glove and they offer excellent protection for any type of situation. While nitrile gloves are slightly more expensive, their protection level has become a favorite with people who are exposed to high risk situations such as administering chemotherapy drugs or are dealing with patients in the emergency department.
