VINYL / PVC / SYNTHETIC

Vinyl gloves are made from poly vinyl chloride material or PVC, these examination gloves provide standard barrier protection. PVC gloves may not provide snug fit on the hand, especially around the wrist, but they are the most economical gloves. Vinyl works well for selected tasks involving limited patient contact. Vinyl offers poor resistance to chemicals such as the alcohols used in swabbing, and should not be used when handling chemotherapy drugs. Vinyl use should be limited to short procedures in low-risk situations that do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or chemicals.

LATEX

Latex is a natural product, collected and concentrated from certain trees. The concentrated rubber latex is treated with additives in manufacturing latex gloves. The gloves are soaked in water to remove proteins in latex, but some proteins remain in the final product. The additives such as accelerators may also cause allergies to users. Only 6% of the general populated have latex allergy and as many as 17% of health care workers are reported to be affected.

NITRILE

Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic materials which makes them 3X more resistant to punctures than latex and they offer protection against a wider range of chemicals and oils than either latex or vinyl. Its tensile strength is also typically better than that of other gloving materials and its elasticity is extremely high, allowing the gloves to conform to the shape of the wearer’s hands, providing incredible comfort and fit. Nitrile gloves are recommended as an alternative to natural rubber latex gloves for conditions where strength and chemical protection are required, and for individuals with natural rubber latex allergies.

Advantages: Resistance to grease and oils Ease of blending with other materials Ease of processing Economically friendly

Advantages: The original barrier protection Incredible comfort Maintains good tactile sensitivity Environmentally friendly

Advantages: High resistance to oils, fuel, acids and other chemicals Composed of cross-linked bonds (more elastic) Stronger than PVC 3-times more puncture resistant than latex When incinerated, it produces mostly water and carbon dioxide

Disadvantages: Low mechanical strength Composed of linear bonds (less elastic) Easily degraded by ozone and UV light Does not decompose in landfills

Disadvantages: Lacks resistance to oxidizing agents Easily to be damaged by aging, sunlight, and oil Natural rubber latex allergies

Disadvantages: Can be damaged by: ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, aldehydes Inferior stretch and flexibility compare to latex Does not decompose in landfills

Recommended Uses: ONE time use only Examinations, Transport, Kitchens, Dry tasks, No body fluids

Recommended Uses: Medical environments, Examinations, Labs, Household

Recommended Uses: Examination in healthcare, Laboratories, Cleaning, Housekeeping, Pest Control