title: Evaluation of the permeability of latex gloves for use in dental practice.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the permeability of the disposable, nonsterile gloves used in dental practice. A visual inspection and a water-filling test were carried out on seven different brands of gloves. Only five of the seven makes analyzed showed a value of pinch marks statistically not different from 2% (the limit recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials). Analysis of the gloves with holes revealed that only four makes showed a value statistically not different from 2%. Finally, only three of the seven makes analyzed had a number of defects statistically not different from 2%. It may therefore be stated that the average quality level currently available should be improved to guarantee a safer and more effective protection against oral pathogens in dental practice.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Chirurgia Speciale Odontostomatologica, University of Bolgona, School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Checchi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: D'Achille
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000737:chemistry; D010539:Permeability; D011786:Quality Control; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D007840:Latex; D014867:Water