Medical gloves are essential for preventing infection, protecting both healthcare professionals and patients. A glove’s effectiveness as a barrier depends on its material and manufacturing process. Healthcare settings distinguish between gloves for simple examinations and those for invasive procedures, based on the level of sterilization achieved. This focus on infection control and the need to accommodate material sensitivities have driven the evolution of glove technology.
The Difference Between Sterile and Non-Sterile Gloves
The classification of a medical glove as “sterile” refers specifically to a manufacturing process, not its composition. Sterile gloves are defined as being free from all living microorganisms, achieved through rigorous sterilization methods. These gloves are required for surgical procedures or any medical intervention where internal body tissues are exposed, such as catheter insertion or deep wound cleaning.
Sterilization is typically accomplished using methods like gamma radiation or ethylene oxide gas. Regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), enforce strict standards for this process, including a defined Sterility Assurance Level (SAL). The SAL ensures there is less than a one in a million chance that a single glove is non-sterile after processing.
Non-sterile, or examination, gloves are not subjected to this high-level sterilization process. They are used for general tasks where the risk of transmitting infection is lower, such as routine examinations. Sterile gloves also possess a higher barrier quality, demonstrated by a lower Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for pinholes (typically 1.0 to 1.5), compared to non-sterile gloves (1.5 to 2.5).
Material Composition of Sterile Gloves
Not all sterile gloves are made of latex; while historically dominant, latex is now one of several materials used. Natural rubber latex, derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, was the original material for surgical gloves. Latex offers high elasticity, excellent tactile sensitivity, and a comfortable, conforming fit, which is highly valued for delicate surgical procedures.
The widespread use of latex spurred the development of synthetic alternatives to address allergy concerns. Polyisoprene is a synthetic rubber with the same chemical structure as natural rubber, making it the closest synthetic substitute in performance. Sterile polyisoprene gloves match the comfort, sensitivity, and fit of latex without the allergenic proteins, making them a preferred choice for surgical applications.
Other synthetic options are also used for sterile gloves: Nitrile (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) is valued for its superior puncture and chemical resistance. While widely used for sterile procedures, some users find nitrile gloves slightly stiffer and less sensitive than polyisoprene or latex. Polychloroprene (neoprene) is also utilized, offering a good balance of flexibility, chemical resistance, and dexterity. Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, or PVC) is less common for sterile surgical gloves because it provides lower dexterity and barrier protection compared to other materials.
Managing Latex Allergies in Healthcare Settings
The shift away from relying solely on latex has been driven by health risks associated with natural rubber proteins. Latex allergy can manifest as a Type I hypersensitivity (an immediate and potentially severe allergic reaction) or a Type IV reaction (a delayed contact dermatitis). These reactions affect both patients and healthcare workers who have frequent exposure to latex products.
Managing this risk involves creating a “latex-safe environment” in hospitals and clinics, requiring careful inventory management and adherence to specific protocols. For patients with a known allergy, all latex products must be removed, and only latex-free alternatives used during their care. This includes using non-latex products for items beyond gloves, such as certain intravenous lines or dressings.
A significant step in risk management was the mandated transition to powder-free gloves, which minimized a major source of exposure. The cornstarch powder previously used on gloves would bind to latex proteins, allowing allergens to become aerosolized and spread through the air. By using powder-free, low-protein latex gloves or switching entirely to non-latex options, facilities have substantially reduced the risk of sensitization and allergic reactions for staff and patients.