Medical exam gloves are an important part of personal protective equipment, or PPE, across the healthcare industry. For doctors, nurses, lab technicians and other practitioners, they provide protection from bloodborne pathogens and harmful illnesses. Our customers often ask what the difference is in latex vs. nitrile gloves, and we’re happy to be your resource!
“I personally prefer the feeling of latex gloves when providing patient care, but I have become accustomed to nitrile.”
Amy Coniglio, RN, Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York
Latex vs. Nitrile Gloves, What’s the Difference?
The core difference between latex and nitrile gloves is the materials used to make each. Manufacturers make latex gloves from natural rubber latex, a milky fluid found in rubber trees. Nitrile, or nitrile-butadiene rubber, is an oil-resistant synthetic rubber1.
Nitrile is an excellent material for gloves because it is more resistant to oils and acids than natural rubber. It’s also worth noting, some report this material is more tear-resistant than natural rubber materials. Additionally, using nitrile allows gloves to be ultra-thin – making blood draws more efficient for phlebotomists.
Related: Don’t Be Fooled by Latex-Free Claims
Why Use Latex Gloves?
Latex gloves were incredibly popular until the 1990s due to latex’s durability, flexibility and chemical resistance. Latex gloves are comfortable, versatile and well-fitting with a barrier that provides mid-range protection. They are often used in surgery, dental and medical exams, lab and custodial applications.
Why Use Nitrile Gloves?
One of the biggest reasons healthcare facilities use nitrile gloves is the prevalence of latex allergies. Because so many products contain latex, clinicians can build up an allergy over time due to prolonged exposure. The symptoms can range from mild skin irritation to anaphylactic shock. Nitrile gloves may help reduce the risk of latex allergies in your facility. Johns Hopkins, the facility where latex gloves were first used, banished latex gloves in 2008 to address potentially fatal allergies2.
“Our hospital is almost entirely latex-free, so we use nitrile gloves,” said Amy Coniglio, RN, Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York. “I personally prefer the feeling of latex gloves when providing patient care, but I have become accustomed to nitrile.”
Related: Latex Allergies | Causes, Symptoms & Prevention
Choose the Right fit For Your Team
Whichever medical exam gloves your clinicians and support staff prefer, Caresfield has a solution. We offer nitrile, latex and vinyl options.
“We use vinyl and nitrile,” said Sean Bilodeau, lead processor, Charles River Medical Associates, in Framingham, Massachusetts. “We are latex free and predominantly use nitrile and offer a vinyl alternative to those who are sensitive to nitrile.”
To help you find the right fit for your team, we also put together the handy Ultimate Medical Glove Buyers Guide.
Why Order From Caresfield
There are many reasons to rely on Caresfield, no matter if you rely on latex or nitrile gloves. We have a reliable supply of quality gloves. We offer same-day shipping for in-stock orders, and you can request free samples on our website.
Sources
- Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/technology/nitrile-rubber, accessed July 26, 2022
- Johns Hopkins Press Release, Jan. 14, 2008, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/rubber_gloves_born___and_now_banished___at_johns_hopkins, accessed July 26, 2022
