title: Avoiding problems: evidence-based selection of medical gloves.
abstract: Allergenic contact reaction to glove proteins and residual chemicals increased from 1980 onwards; circumstantial and technical evidence indicates that change from reusable to disposable latex gloves was a causative factor. Several protein fractions are potentially allergenic; if low protein gloves contain a dominant protein fraction, people with sensitivity may still have an adverse reaction. Use of chlorinated powder-free gloves reduces risk of allergenic reaction; other powder-free gloves may still pose a contact risk to patients. Adverse comparative tests of vinyl vs latex medical gloves may, in some cases, have used non-medical gloves without assessment of initial quality or involved an unrealistic test method; these have discouraged use of a non-allergenic alternative to latex gloves. Vinyl medical glove properties are reviewed. Nitrile examination gloves offer better protection than latex types when handling lipid-soluble substances and chemicals. Properties of medical gloves made from other materials are described.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Russell-Fell
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012408:Rubber
chemical_list: D012408:Rubber