Latex glove penetration by pathogens: a review of the literature.
Universal precautions mandate the use of examination and surgical gloves to protect the health professional from contact with the HIV virus. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on the barrier properties of examination and surgical gloves measured by water leakage and viral penetration. The literature data indicate that glove composition, glove manufacturer, glove design (examination vs. surgical), and mechanical manipulation had considerable influence on glove performance when tested for leakage and viral penetration. In general, latex gloves were found to be superior to vinyl gloves as barriers to water leakage and viral penetration.
Neal
J G
JG
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Jackson
E M
EM
Suber
F
F
Edlich
R F
RF
D010584:Bacteriophage phi X 174; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D015497:HIV-1; D008422:Materials Testing; D019563:Mechanics; D010539:Permeability; D012408:Rubber / Q000737:chemistry*; D012706:Serratia marcescens; D014753:Vinyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
D014753:Vinyl Compounds; D012408:Rubber