Latex gloves provide protection but care should be taken.

• Biological exposures (bacterial and viral)
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Sterilants
• Chemicals

During the glove selection process, one must recognize what protection the gloves need to provide and make sure that any gloves selected provide that type of protection. (Not all latex gloves protect against chemotherapy drugs, for example).

Latex gloves themselves have the potential for adversely affecting both health care workers and patients. Therefore, it is important to consider the following concerns and make sure that latex gloves will provide the protection needed without introducing risk to health care workers or patients.

• Latex allergy can affect both health care workers and patients.
• Use of powdered gloves can lead to granulomas and adhesions in surgical patients.
• Airborne powder may have high bacterial and latex protein levels, introducing risk of infection or allergic reaction for both patients and hospital staff.
• Glove fit is important to prevent chafing of the skin. In addition, latex gloves that fit poorly sometimes make it difficult to perform manual tasks, such as grasping or manipulating medical devices. In some cases, workers compensate by gripping more tightly, which over time can cause hand trauma or accidents.

Recommended for Latex Gloves

Vitality Medical - Free Shipping on Home Health and Medical Products - Go to site and click on "Patient Care" for latex gloves and other discount medical supplies. Allegro Medical - An online medical supplies superstore with a full line of electrotherapy and pain management devices. Visit site and click on "Patient Care."