10 Things to Consider When Buying black gloves bulk

Medical-grade gloves are a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for many professional environments. Though most often used in healthcare settings, disposable medical gloves are also necessary for caregivers, food handlers, dentists and other professionals. Wherever health and sanitation are top concerns, protective gloves are essential. They help stop the spread of germs and viruses, promoting the safety of both employees and those they serve.

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If you need disposable gloves for your professional environment, choosing the best possible kind of glove is critical. You'll need to understand the difference between various disposable glove types. Not all gloves are the same ' different materials, strength levels and other features lend themselves to distinct purposes. Below, we'll discuss the 10 most important considerations for stocking up on gloves.

Medical Gloves Defined

Only some disposable gloves qualify as medical gloves. To fit the medical-grade description, disposable gloves must meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality assurance guidelines. These guidelines ensure all gloves used in medical settings are durable and reliable, not flimsy or brittle. For patient examinations, gloves must have an acceptable quality level (AQL) no higher than 2.5. That rating means no more than 2.5% of the gloves in a batch can have defects. These gloves are non-sterile ' sterile gloves must have an even lower AQL measure.

Manufacturers have to keep up with stringent testing measures to achieve a score of 2.5 or lower. Gloves with an AQL higher than 4 or 5 are only acceptable for mechanical or industrial purposes. Rigorous AQL standards require glove manufacturers to employ uncompromising quality control. The AQL scoring guide helps ensure gloves used for medical purposes are without defects. Tears or other lapses in quality could leave healthcare professionals and their patients vulnerable to pathogens or other contaminants.

Depending on your application, you'll have to decide on an acceptable AQL rating. You may be able to find industry standards, but if not, opt for lower AQL numbers for the best quality disposable gloves. Keep in mind, doctors use gloves with AQL scores of 2.5 or lower during patient examinations. A similar score would likely suffice for your environment unless you need them for surgical purposes.

1. Type of Material

Disposable gloves with an acceptable AQL rating come in a variety of materials. One of the first things you should consider is your glove material preference. Different glove materials are useful for different purposes, so it's a good idea to learn about the available options before making a bulk purchase.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are one of the best alternatives to latex gloves, offering a longer average shelf life. Standard nitrile gloves are an ideal non-sterile option. A powder-free, latex-free nitrile glove is resistant to chemicals, oils and acids. Nitrile's strength makes these gloves tough and helps them stay puncture-free, even when worn for extended periods. If latex allergies are an issue, nitrile gloves offer a flexible, touch-sensitive alternative. You can buy bulk orders of nitrile gloves in a variety of colors and sizes.

Latex Gloves

Latex is a comfortable, inexpensive glove option suitable for most medical environments. They've been a staple of many healthcare facilities since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic of the s. With that said, latex allergies are common. There's a high likelihood someone in your organization or someone you serve will have a latex allergy. If you're purchasing gloves for widespread use, you might consider a material less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as nitrile or vinyl. Latex also has a short shelf life compared to other materials.

Vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Gloves

Another option is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) glove. PVC is a common synthetic plastic polymer. Since they're easy to mass-produce, these gloves are one of the least expensive options. They're also less durable than other glove types, and they offer limited hazard protection. For that reason, PVC gloves are best suited for low-hazard applications. In some cases, a nitrile-vinyl blend glove may be the best choice for affordability and durability.

Other Types of Medical Gloves

For most applications, one of the above-listed materials will suffice. Here are a few other material choices you might consider for latex-free medical gloves:

• Chloroprene gloves: Chloroprene is a synthetic monomer. It creates polychloroprene, which mimics latex well and is resistant to many hazardous chemicals.
• Chemo gloves: Chemo gloves, as their name suggests, are approved for use during chemotherapy. Exposure to chemotherapy drugs can be hazardous, so PPE is always recommended.
• Aloe vera gloves: Frequent hand-washing and glove changes can cause hands to become dry and cracked. Some medical gloves include an internal aloe vera coating to moisturize the wearer's hands.

2. Sterile vs. Non-Sterile

For a glove to have a 'sterile' rating, it must meet strict FDA guidelines. Sterile medical gloves are acceptable for surgical purposes, so they must have the best possible AQL ratings. Sterile gloves must have an acceptable quality level of 1.5 or lower. As mentioned above, examination gloves can have an AQL as high as 2.5, so sterile gloves can be considered even safer. Because their manufacture requires strict testing, sterile gloves may have a higher price.

Surgical vs. Examination Gloves

Though the term 'non-sterile' may sound concerning, non-sterile gloves with an AQL of 2.5 or lower are acceptable for any non-surgical purposes. Using non-sterile gloves in non-surgical settings is safe and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Most healthcare workers use non-sterile gloves for patient examination purposes.

Non-sterile gloves work well for other applications, as well. If you're looking for disposable gloves for routine cleaning, food service, caregiving or other purposes, non-sterile gloves should be fine. It's vital to decide on an acceptable AQL rating for your purposes.

3. Powdered vs. Non-Powdered Gloves

You may come across powdered and non-powdered glove options. Powdered gloves feature cornstarch coatings, which makes them easier to put on and prevents them from sticking together. Though this can improve convenience, the FDA has banned powdered gloves for surgery and patient examination purposes.

According to the FDA, the risks of powdered gloves in medical settings outweigh the benefits. The powder can cling to the wearer's skin, causing irritation, inflammation or allergic reactions. It can also cause surgical complications involving peritoneal adhesions, which are a type of bond between a person's organs. Though the ban does not yet extend to food service applications, loose cornstarch from powdered gloves may cause food contamination. In most instances, a non-powdered glove is a preferable choice.

4. Glove Thickness

You should also consider glove thickness. Thicker gloves provide a stronger protective barrier. They also better resist tears, allowing for a longer wear time. A heavy-duty, industrial-grade glove will offer more thickness than a lighter, thinner glove.

With that said, a thicker glove may dull touch sensitivity, which isn't ideal in certain settings. If your application requires a high level of touch sensitivity, you might opt for thinner gloves made from a durable material, such as nitrile. When browsing glove options, look for thickness measurements in mils.

5. Tactile Sensitivity

Certain situations call for a high level of tactile or touch sensitivity. For instance, a surgeon needs unimpaired touch sensitivity to perform surgery with the necessary precision and accuracy. Tactile-sensitive gloves made of a lightweight material will allow for precision levels similar to an ungloved hand. Sensitivity may also be necessary for a number of applications, including food preparation, electronic handling and pharmaceuticals.

6. Glove Comfort and Fit

You should also consider glove comfort and fit, including various size options. Depending on your application, your staff may need to wear gloves while performing complex tasks. They may also need to wear their gloves for extended periods. It's vital to choose comfortable gloves ' an uncomfortable glove may hinder someone's ability to perform their necessary responsibilities.

Size options are an essential consideration. If a glove is too small, it may cause irritability or limit blood circulation to the wearer's hand, making the fit distracting and uncomfortable. A too-small glove is more likely to tear, as well, compromising its protective barrier.

If a glove is too large, other concerns may arise. Loose space between the glove and the wearer's skin may leave the wearer vulnerable to pathogens. A glove that's too big is also likely to fall off, causing a significant contamination concern. When buying gloves, be sure to acquire several sizes, at least small, medium and large.

7. Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to a material's resistance to breaking when stretched or pulled. Gloves with higher tensile strength ratings are more tear-resistant. Nitrile and latex are both materials with high tensile strength ratings ' you can tug and pull on them quite a bit before they'll start to tear. Since a tear would compromise a glove's protection, tensile strength is essential. It's an important measurement to acknowledge, especially for applications requiring hand dexterity.

8. Glove Color 

Though you may not think twice about glove color, it can make a notable difference. You may choose to color code your gloves so staff can easily differentiate between various glove types. For instance, you might choose blue for latex gloves and black for non-latex gloves, so those with a latex allergy will have no trouble selecting the non-latex gloves. If you need both sterile and non-sterile gloves, color coding could again be useful.

Certain glove colors also make tears more apparent. If you wear a dark-colored glove on top of a light-colored glove, tears will be easy to identify. You can then change gloves as soon as possible after a tear, minimizing contamination risks.

9. Double-Gloving

You may wonder whether or not double-gloving offers more protection than wearing a single glove. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), double-gloving is an effective way to protect the wearer from pathogens and other harmful substances. They found that while glove perforations were common, there were no instances of inner double-glove perforation. The NIH recommends double-gloving as a routine practice for operating rooms.

Standardizing double-gloving may help you promote your staff's safety and wellbeing. Should you choose to do so, you may need to store greater quantities of gloves. It's a good idea to order gloves in bulk amounts for this purpose.

10. Shelf Life

The final factor you should consider is a glove's shelf life. Buying disposable gloves in bulk will ensure you always have gloves available when needed ' but it may also mean some gloves sit unused for extended periods. A glove's shelf life depends most on its material. Nitrile gloves last longer than any other material. You should always check the manufacturer's guidelines, but most nitrile gloves will last in their original packaging for several years.

In most cases, it's easy to tell if a glove is compromised. A compromised glove may have surface cracks or feel brittle to the touch. Always wear gloves with normal tensile strength and durability, and keep careful track of how long your gloves have sat on the shelf.

Proper Storage Tips

Proper storage can help make gloves last longer. For short or long-term glove storage, you should keep gloves:

• In their original packaging with an unbroken seal: Only break the packaging seal when you're ready to use the gloves.
• In a cool-temperature environment: Too much heat can cause gloves to degrade, so it's important to store your gloves in a cool environment. A temperature-controlled closet is an ideal choice.
• Somewhere without ultraviolet light or ozone: Some fluorescent bulbs and electrical equipment can generate ozone or ultraviolet light. Exposure to either may damage your gloves.
• In a low-humidity environment: Too much humidity can compromise gloves or lead to mold or bacterial growth. Keep your gloves away from humidifiers, radiators, steam pipes or any other heat and humidity generating equipment.

When deciding where to store your gloves, opt for a cool, dark environment. In most cases, a shelf in a secluded closet will do fine. Proper storage will help you extend your gloves' shelf life, saving you time and money long-term and minimizing waste.

Shop Disposable Medical Gloves From SUNLINE Supply

Choosing the right gloves for your application can make your environment safer, healthier and more productive. When shopping for new disposable gloves, consider several factors ' the material, AQL, durability, comfort, dexterity, color and additional features. Each of these factors is significant. Once you've chosen the right gloves for you, be sure to purchase as many as you may need and follow best storage practices.

Reliable PPE, including gloves, masks, gowns and hand sanitizer, is vital for many settings. It can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses and reduce the risk of contamination. If you're looking for the highest-rated PPE, choose SUNLINE Supply. Here at SUNLINE Supply, we offer affordable prices, convenient bulk buying options and fast shipping for all your occupational PPE needs. If you have any questions about our top-quality PPE products, contact us today.

Ryen Neuman

Ryen is the Vice President of Business Development at Sunline Supply. He helps with logistics as well as selling products, loves to go to trade shows and previously won the innovation award at the Dale Carnegie Leadership for Managers. Click here to learn more about Ryen!

10 Things to Consider When Buying Medical Gloves

Medical-grade gloves are a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for many professional environments. Though most often used in healthcare settings, disposable medical gloves are also necessary for caregivers, food handlers, dentists and other professionals. Wherever health and sanitation are top concerns, protective gloves are essential. They help stop the spread of germs and viruses, promoting the safety of both employees and those they serve.

If you need disposable gloves for your professional environment, choosing the best possible kind of glove is critical. You'll need to understand the difference between various disposable glove types. Not all gloves are the same ' different materials, strength levels and other features lend themselves to distinct purposes. Below, we'll discuss the 10 most important considerations for stocking up on gloves.

Medical Gloves Defined

Only some disposable gloves qualify as medical gloves. To fit the medical-grade description, disposable gloves must meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality assurance guidelines. These guidelines ensure all gloves used in medical settings are durable and reliable, not flimsy or brittle. For patient examinations, gloves must have an acceptable quality level (AQL) no higher than 2.5. That rating means no more than 2.5% of the gloves in a batch can have defects. These gloves are non-sterile ' sterile gloves must have an even lower AQL measure.

Manufacturers have to keep up with stringent testing measures to achieve a score of 2.5 or lower. Gloves with an AQL higher than 4 or 5 are only acceptable for mechanical or industrial purposes. Rigorous AQL standards require glove manufacturers to employ uncompromising quality control. The AQL scoring guide helps ensure gloves used for medical purposes are without defects. Tears or other lapses in quality could leave healthcare professionals and their patients vulnerable to pathogens or other contaminants.

Depending on your application, you'll have to decide on an acceptable AQL rating. You may be able to find industry standards, but if not, opt for lower AQL numbers for the best quality disposable gloves. Keep in mind, doctors use gloves with AQL scores of 2.5 or lower during patient examinations. A similar score would likely suffice for your environment unless you need them for surgical purposes.

1. Type of Material

Disposable gloves with an acceptable AQL rating come in a variety of materials. One of the first things you should consider is your glove material preference. Different glove materials are useful for different purposes, so it's a good idea to learn about the available options before making a bulk purchase.

Nitrile gloves are one of the best alternatives to latex gloves, offering a longer average shelf life. Standard nitrile gloves are an ideal non-sterile option. A powder-free, latex-free nitrile glove is resistant to chemicals, oils and acids. Nitrile's strength makes these gloves tough and helps them stay puncture-free, even when worn for extended periods. If latex allergies are an issue, nitrile gloves offer a flexible, touch-sensitive alternative. You can buy bulk orders of nitrile gloves in a variety of colors and sizes.

Latex Gloves

Latex is a comfortable, inexpensive glove option suitable for most medical environments. They've been a staple of many healthcare facilities since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic of the s. With that said, latex allergies are common. There's a high likelihood someone in your organization or someone you serve will have a latex allergy. If you're purchasing gloves for widespread use, you might consider a material less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as nitrile or vinyl. Latex also has a short shelf life compared to other materials.

Vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Gloves

Another option is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) glove. PVC is a common synthetic plastic polymer. Since they're easy to mass-produce, these gloves are one of the least expensive options. They're also less durable than other glove types, and they offer limited hazard protection. For that reason, PVC gloves are best suited for low-hazard applications. In some cases, a nitrile-vinyl blend glove may be the best choice for affordability and durability.

Other Types of Medical Gloves

For most applications, one of the above-listed materials will suffice. Here are a few other material choices you might consider for latex-free medical gloves:

Chloroprene gloves: Chloroprene is a synthetic monomer. It creates polychloroprene, which mimics latex well and is resistant to many hazardous chemicals.

Chemo gloves: Chemo gloves, as their name suggests, are approved for use during chemotherapy. Exposure to chemotherapy drugs can be hazardous, so PPE is always recommended.

Aloe vera gloves: Frequent hand-washing and glove changes can cause hands to become dry and cracked. Some medical gloves include an internal aloe vera coating to moisturize the wearer's hands.

2. Sterile vs. Non-Sterile

For a glove to have a 'sterile' rating, it must meet strict FDA guidelines. Sterile medical gloves are acceptable for surgical purposes, so they must have the best possible AQL ratings. Sterile gloves must have an acceptable quality level of 1.5 or lower. As mentioned above, examination gloves can have an AQL as high as 2.5, so sterile gloves can be considered even safer. Because their manufacture requires strict testing, sterile gloves may have a higher price.

Surgical vs. Examination Gloves

Though the term 'non-sterile' may sound concerning, non-sterile gloves with an AQL of 2.5 or lower are acceptable for any non-surgical purposes. Using non-sterile gloves in non-surgical settings is safe and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Most healthcare workers use non-sterile gloves for patient examination purposes.

Want more information on black gloves bulk? Feel free to contact us.

Non-sterile gloves work well for other applications, as well. If you're looking for disposable gloves for routine cleaning, food service, caregiving or other purposes, non-sterile gloves should be fine. It's vital to decide on an acceptable AQL rating for your purposes.

3. Powdered vs. Non-Powdered Gloves

You may come across powdered and non-powdered glove options. Powdered gloves feature cornstarch coatings, which makes them easier to put on and prevents them from sticking together. Though this can improve convenience, the FDA has banned powdered gloves for surgery and patient examination purposes.

According to the FDA, the risks of powdered gloves in medical settings outweigh the benefits. The powder can cling to the wearer's skin, causing irritation, inflammation or allergic reactions. It can also cause surgical complications involving peritoneal adhesions, which are a type of bond between a person's organs. Though the ban does not yet extend to food service applications, loose cornstarch from powdered gloves may cause food contamination. In most instances, a non-powdered glove is a preferable choice.

4. Glove Thickness

You should also consider glove thickness. Thicker gloves provide a stronger protective barrier. They also better resist tears, allowing for a longer wear time. A heavy-duty, industrial-grade glove will offer more thickness than a lighter, thinner glove.

With that said, a thicker glove may dull touch sensitivity, which isn't ideal in certain settings. If your application requires a high level of touch sensitivity, you might opt for thinner gloves made from a durable material, such as nitrile. When browsing glove options, look for thickness measurements in mils.

5. Tactile Sensitivity

Certain situations call for a high level of tactile or touch sensitivity. For instance, a surgeon needs unimpaired touch sensitivity to perform surgery with the necessary precision and accuracy. Tactile-sensitive gloves made of a lightweight material will allow for precision levels similar to an ungloved hand. Sensitivity may also be necessary for a number of applications, including food preparation, electronic handling and pharmaceuticals.

6. Glove Comfort and Fit

You should also consider glove comfort and fit, including various size options. Depending on your application, your staff may need to wear gloves while performing complex tasks. They may also need to wear their gloves for extended periods. It's vital to choose comfortable gloves ' an uncomfortable glove may hinder someone's ability to perform their necessary responsibilities.

Size options are an essential consideration. If a glove is too small, it may cause irritability or limit blood circulation to the wearer's hand, making the fit distracting and uncomfortable. A too-small glove is more likely to tear, as well, compromising its protective barrier.

If a glove is too large, other concerns may arise. Loose space between the glove and the wearer's skin may leave the wearer vulnerable to pathogens. A glove that's too big is also likely to fall off, causing a significant contamination concern. When buying gloves, be sure to acquire several sizes, at least small, medium and large.

7. Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to a material's resistance to breaking when stretched or pulled. Gloves with higher tensile strength ratings are more tear-resistant. Nitrile and latex are both materials with high tensile strength ratings ' you can tug and pull on them quite a bit before they'll start to tear. Since a tear would compromise a glove's protection, tensile strength is essential. It's an important measurement to acknowledge, especially for applications requiring hand dexterity.

8. Glove Color 

Though you may not think twice about glove color, it can make a notable difference. You may choose to color code your gloves so staff can easily differentiate between various glove types. For instance, you might choose blue for latex gloves and black for non-latex gloves, so those with a latex allergy will have no trouble selecting the non-latex gloves. If you need both sterile and non-sterile gloves, color coding could again be useful.

Certain glove colors also make tears more apparent. If you wear a dark-colored glove on top of a light-colored glove, tears will be easy to identify. You can then change gloves as soon as possible after a tear, minimizing contamination risks.

9. Double-Gloving

You may wonder whether or not double-gloving offers more protection than wearing a single glove. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), double-gloving is an effective way to protect the wearer from pathogens and other harmful substances. They found that while glove perforations were common, there were no instances of inner double-glove perforation. The NIH recommends double-gloving as a routine practice for operating rooms.

Standardizing double-gloving may help you promote your staff's safety and wellbeing. Should you choose to do so, you may need to store greater quantities of gloves. It's a good idea to order gloves in bulk amounts for this purpose.

10. Shelf Life

The final factor you should consider is a glove's shelf life. Buying disposable gloves in bulk will ensure you always have gloves available when needed ' but it may also mean some gloves sit unused for extended periods. A glove's shelf life depends most on its material. Nitrile gloves last longer than any other material. You should always check the manufacturer's guidelines, but most nitrile gloves will last in their original packaging for several years.

In most cases, it's easy to tell if a glove is compromised. A compromised glove may have surface cracks or feel brittle to the touch. Always wear gloves with normal tensile strength and durability, and keep careful track of how long your gloves have sat on the shelf.

Proper Storage Tips

Proper storage can help make gloves last longer. For short or long-term glove storage, you should keep gloves:

In their original packaging with an unbroken seal: Only break the packaging seal when you're ready to use the gloves.

In a cool-temperature environment: Too much heat can cause gloves to degrade, so it's important to store your gloves in a cool environment. A temperature-controlled closet is an ideal choice.

Somewhere without ultraviolet light or ozone: Some fluorescent bulbs and electrical equipment can generate ozone or ultraviolet light. Exposure to either may damage your gloves.

In a low-humidity environment: Too much humidity can compromise gloves or lead to mold or bacterial growth. Keep your gloves away from humidifiers, radiators, steam pipes or any other heat and humidity generating equipment.

When deciding where to store your gloves, opt for a cool, dark environment. In most cases, a shelf in a secluded closet will do fine. Proper storage will help you extend your gloves' shelf life, saving you time and money long-term and minimizing waste.

Shop Disposable Medical Gloves From SUNLINE Supply

Choosing the right gloves for your application can make your environment safer, healthier and more productive. When shopping for new disposable gloves, consider several factors ' the material, AQL, durability, comfort, dexterity, color and additional features. Each of these factors is significant. Once you've chosen the right gloves for you, be sure to purchase as many as you may need and follow best storage practices.

Reliable PPE, including gloves, masks, gowns and hand sanitizer, is vital for many settings. It can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses and reduce the risk of contamination. If you're looking for the highest-rated PPE, choose SUNLINE Supply. Here at SUNLINE Supply, we offer affordable prices, convenient bulk buying options and fast shipping for all your occupational PPE needs. If you have any questions about our top-quality PPE products, contact us today.

 

Ryen Neuman

Ryen is the Vice President of Business Development at Sunline Supply. He helps with logistics as well as selling products, loves to go to trade shows and previously won the innovation award at the Dale Carnegie Leadership for Managers. Click here to learn more about Ryen!

Nitrile Gloves: Buyer's Guide to Choose the Best Nitrile Glove for You

As we've seen in many of our other blogs, nitrile gloves are quickly rising to the top of the popularity list when it comes to disposable gloves. There are so many reasons for their surge in use. Nitrile gloves possess many of the same benefits that natural latex gloves have, including flexibility, dexterity, and a snug fit. But, they eliminate the potential for allergic reactions because nitrile is a synthetic rubber, without the properties in latex that cause allergies. These gloves are so widely versatile, across nearly any application or industry. They have excellent puncture resistance, and are tough enough to resist chemicals and withstand grease and oils, yet they are fitted well enough to give you the tactile sensitivity needed for performing delicate procedures.
 
First Breakdown: Industrial vs. Exam
 
When choosing the best nitrile glove for your application, the first step is to look at the two main categories of nitrile gloves: industrial grade or medical grade. The main determining factor on which grade of nitrile glove to use depends on how the gloves will be used. Below, the two grades of nitrile gloves will be explained:
 
Industrial Grade: This category of nitrile glove is best suited for applications that necessitate the handling of harsh chemicals and solvents. Typical industries where this grade of nitrile glove would be used include automotive, janitorial, and any other industry that involves chemical safety, and even food service. The most important features of this category are the glove's chemical resistance and high levels of puncture resistance.
 
Medical Grade: Exam, or medical grade gloves, are typically suited for use where there is a risk of coming in contact with blood born pathogens or environmental contaminants. This category of nitrile glove is commonly found in hospitals, medical and dental offices, and laboratories. Medical grade gloves are rigorously tested and have to meet specific guidelines from the FDA so that they ensure that these gloves will provide the strength, durability and barrier for these applications. Nitrile gloves are also particularly popular in medical and dental offices because they eliminate the potential for any allergies.
 
What about Glove Size and Color?
 
Many people underestimate the importance of a well fitting glove. Manufacturer sizing of disposable gloves can differ, so it is highly recommended to try samples if possible so you can determine what size glove you need. The correct size glove will enhance your comfort and tactile sensitivity in every application.

 One of the most fun things about disposable nitrile gloves is that they come in a rainbow of color. These colors are not just a fashion statement, however. There a several practical tips for utilizing colored nitrile gloves to promote safety and efficiency in your workplace. By color coding your nitrile gloves, you can assist in differentiating glove sizes and help prevent cross contamination. Blue nitrile gloves are the standard color, and are helpful in differentiating between nitrile and latex gloves in a medical application. Black nitrile gloves are commonly used in automotive applications, or other work environments where oil and grime is present. The black gloves hide this messiness. Brighter color nitrile gloves like orange, green, or pink can be helpful in several situations. They help increase safety compliance, because the gloves are easily seen, so you know when employees are wearing them. If you need extra protection, you could wear a double layer of nitrile gloves, with the bright color underneath. This way, if a cut or puncture occurs, the bright color becomes visible and you are alerted to a problem.

 
Other Glove Features to Consider
 
Glove Thickness: Most disposable nitrile gloves come in different thicknesses, or gauges, ranging from four to eight mil thick. The vast majority of heavy duty industrial grade nitrile gloves will be 6 - 8 mils thick. Due to the harsh environments that generally utilize industrial grade disposable gloves, the extra thickness will provide a thicker barrier of protection. Thicker gloves will provide a longer permeation timeframe when working with chemicals as well as more tear resistance than thinner light duty nitrile.   Basically, the lower the gauge the higher level of dexterity and flexibility you will find, and vice versa.
 
Texture and Finish: If you are in need of enhanced grip on your nitrile glove, look for a nitrile glove that has a textured finish on the palm and fingers. Typically a diamond pattern, this texture will increase grip in both wet and dry conditions. Most nitrile gloves are finished with a chlorinated coating which helps to reduce stickiness and makes it easier to put on and pull off your gloves.
 
Powdered vs. Powder Free: These are two common options when it comes to nitrile gloves. Powder free gloves are where the chlorinated or polymer finish comes in. This finish makes it easy to don and doff your gloves without the messiness of powder. The powdered option is helpful because it absorbs any extra moisture, which aids in putting on gloves, however it can leave behind some residue.
 
When choosing your next disposable nitrile gloves, be sure to take all of these factors into consideration, so that you can perform to the best of your ability. Check out our inventory of nitrile gloves here.

Medical Gloves Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Medical Gloves

provided by Medline

Like any healthcare professional, those working in small medical offices know that protection against blood and other bodily fluids is essential for preventing disease and the transmission of illnesses. Medical gloves are one of the first lines of defense.

In general, medical gloves are made of polymers like latex, nitrile rubber, vinyl, neoprene and polyisoprene. Each material has its own strengths and benefits and is best suited for specific types of work. Before you place an order, it's important to know which type of glove will best meet your needs.

Latex

For jobs that require extended wear times, latex exam gloves are a good choice. Latex offers great performance and the best comfort and fit of any glove type. However, some people have allergic reactions to latex, which is a major downside to choosing this material. And latex is weak against some chemicals used in medical and industrial settings. Also worth noting: Latex rubber is a natural product, so fluctuating raw material costs can cause pricing to change rapidly.

Nitrile Rubber

Advances in technology have allowed manufacturers to use nitrile rubber to re-create the feel of a latex glove while eliminating allergy concerns. Nitrile exam gloves have become a go-to alternative partly because they are more puncture- and abrasion-resistant than latex. And because nitrile gloves are also more resistant to chemicals, they are a good choice for tough medical and industrial jobs, or jobs where chemicals are involved.

Vinyl

Vinyl exam gloves are the most cost-effective choice for small medical offices. These gloves excel at short-term jobs where comfort is not a concern, frequent glove changes are required and a basic barrier will suffice. Vinyl gloves have the lowest puncture and chemical resistances.

Vinyl gloves are less elastic than latex and nitrile, so when you choose this type, you sacrifice comfort and fit. That said, manufacturers have made advancements to improve the fit and feel of vinyl gloves, which has allowed multiple generations of them to exist in the market. For example, 3G vinyl (a patented third-generation stretch vinyl) is the most advanced to date.

Neoprene

In the surgical field, you will often find neoprene gloves. This latex-free alternative provides protection from harsh chemicals, acids, solvents, oil, grease and much more, and is another economical choice.

Polyisoprene

Polyisoprene is a synthetic rubber formulation also found in some surgical gloves. These gloves have the benefit of being nearly identical to latex gloves in terms of fit and feel. When comfort, protection and tactile sensitivity are important, polyisoprene gloves offer an edge over neoprene surgical gloves.

Other Things to Consider When Purchasing Medical Gloves

Beyond the glove's material, it's important to consider whether you want the gloves to be powdered or nonpowdered. Powdered gloves have a powder-like substance, such as cornstarch, inserted into the glove to act as a lubricant, making it easier to put them on and take them off. Nonpowdered gloves typically use a polymer coating. The disposable glove industry has been trending away from powdered gloves due to concerns about residue contamination.

You can also find gloves that have a coating of organic aloe to moisturize hands during use. Hand washing and constant glove wearing can cause skin irritation, which sometimes leads healthcare professionals to stop following proper hand-washing procedures. Natural body heat activates the aloe so hands stay soft and smooth throughout the gloves' use.

An Essential Part of the Uniform

Medical gloves are an essential part of the uniform for many workers in small healthcare offices. Getting the right gloves for the job is critical and can make all the difference in day-to-day work.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit is vinyl latex.