Disposable nitrile gloves are the exam glove of choice for nurses and doctors when working in harsh environments.  Made from nitrile material, these exam gloves are known for providing protection to various chemicals like chemotherapy drugs.  In addition, nitrile has provides excellent barrier protection providing three times more puncture resistance than latex.  It is no surprise that nitrile exam gloves are becoming the preferred latex-free choice.

Protection
Disposable nitrile gloves are known for providing maximum protection with the ability to provide chemical protection.  These exam gloves are less likely to tear with a high resistance to being punctured.  This does not mean nitrile gloves will not tear.  If you try hard enough, all latex and synthetic exam gloves will tear.  However, when used properly, nitrile exam gloves are found to be very durable.  A lot of nitrile gloves also provide protection against key chemicals and are thus donned when working with chemotherapy drugs.  Please note that not all nitrile exam gloves provide equal protection.  The formula, thickness of glove, among other properties will determine the level of protection and whether a glove can make a chemo-protection claim.  All manufacturers are required to conduct tests so be sure to ask for test data if this is a requirement.

Latex-Free
One of the most important characteristics of nitrile exam gloves is the latex-free claim.  The increased awareness of latex allergies has fueled the demand for these gloves.  6 percent of the general populated have latex allergy and as many as 17% of health care workers are reported to be affected.  Replacing latex gloves with nitrile gloves will help make the clinical environment safer for staff and patients with latex allergies without sacrificing the quality of gloves.

Price
Unfortunately, nitrile exam gloves are the most expensive exam gloves when compared to vinyl and latex.  If price was not an issue, almost all healthcare facilities would migrate over to this disposable exam glove.  To combat this hospitals have limited the supply of nitrile gloves to departments that require extra protection while providing the rest with vinyl gloves. Examples of where nitrile gloves are commonly used are as follows:

• Critical and Noncritical Care Units
• Emergency Room
• Labor and Delivery
• Laboratory
• Phlebotomy
• Pharmacy / Oncology
• Environmental Services

Related Topics
- Latex Gloves>
- Vinyl Gloves>
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