Disposable gloves protect the hands from harmful bacteria or chemicals. They are majorly used in the healthcare industry in preventing cross-contamination between doctors and patients.
As disposable gloves are produced and categorized according to different service industries, it is essential to ensure the right gloves are worn and used well to provide maximum protection. They vary in level of usage, safety, and comfortability.
Despite the gloves that you opt to use, it is best to ensure that it is suitable for the task you are conducting and learn more regarding disposable gloves.
Types of Disposable Gloves
There are three main types of disposable gloves, all of which you can use to shield yourself from potential hazards:
- Nitrile –These are fashioned from synthetic nitrile fiber and used to protect against chemicals, mostly common in industrial usage. They are stretchy and durable to ensure longevity. They are also resistant from puncture and offer the highest level of protection.
- Latex – These are made from natural rubber and protect against bacteria and viruses. Healthcare workers mostly use these as they provide the highest level of comfort as they fit well. They also offer precision and tactical sensitivity.
- Vinyl – These are manufactured from synthetic plastic polymer, PVC, and are mainly used for protection against chemicals. They are comfortable and cost-effective.
- Others –These are gloves usually made from a combination of latex, nitrile, or neoprene.
As seen above, synthetic gloves are best for protecting chemicals, while latex gloves offer protection against bacteria and viruses. In the medical field, powder-free gloves are also preferred as they do not leave residue and are better used for sensitive procedures. Powdered gloves are more comfortable to put on due to the presence of cornstarch in them.
Disposable gloves are tested and approved by the FDA for use in various fields. For overall hand protection, especially when doing intensive work, gloves infused with aloe gel or oatmeal are great for maintain moisture and prevent excessive dryness.
Before donning a glove, users must ensure their hands are properly washed to maintain standards of cleanliness. Disposable gloves should not be reused as this heightens the chances of contamination.
Disposable medical gloves may be disinfected by donning them in a diluted bleach solution. However, extra care should be observed to avoid inadvertent spills to the skin or clothing.
Market research
The disposable glove market is expected to grow exponentially at a CAGR rate of 14% from 2019 to 2025. With the Covid-19 pandemic increasing the demand for disposable gloves globally, disposable gloves are rapidly popular with a surge in production in the industry.
However, the decreased supply available in the wake of a pandemic is due to the rise in crisis capacity. The CDC offers contingency strategies to maintain disposable glove supply through maintaining and understanding their glove supply. This enables the medical fraternity to optimize their utilization rates and communicate with federal and state health partners to access additional supplies.
Some factors contributing to the growth of the disposable glove industry are:
- Prevalence of pandemic outbreaks
- Aging and sickly population, therefore, the need for maximum protection.
- Awareness of personal hygiene and safety standards
- Expansion of healthcare infrastructure
Despite the popularity of latex gloves, their rampant price fluctuations deem it difficult for consistent production and flow. Nitrile gloves are becoming the most common type used, with speculations on increasing demand for nitrile products.
The industry’s competitive trends have prompted market players to revolutionize their products by enhancing versatility, price, safety, and durability. Market players such as Top Glove, Hartalega, and Kossan, among others, are continually finding new strategies for optimum glove development. For instance, Ansell’s new MICROFLEX 93-260 offers advanced and unique solutions to the glove market.
Industry players can stay ahead of the curve by forming strategic business partnerships in mergers or acquisitions. This will guarantee their reach all over the globe and spiral new advanced technologies.
Things to consider when purchasing gloves
- Chlorinated gloves are treated with chlorine to make them free of allergic reactions caused by some soluble chemicals. Non-chlorinated gloves, on the other hand, are harder to put on.
- Surgical gloves are much more sterile and meet higher testing standards due to the sensitivity of their purpose. They should always be replaced after four hours of continuous use.
- Medical exam gloves are used for general-purpose functions.
- Consider the different textures and finishes a glove has as they vary depending on the type. For instance, textured gloved provide a better grip than smooth ones.
- Gloves with extended cuffs have better protection, while beaded ones have a better removal technique.
- Wearing double gloves protects in case of perforation of the gloves and more excellent protection. Always inspect your gloves before wearing them.
- Observe full range sizes in gloves to ensure more excellent protection.
By John Kan