And Everything you should know before your next purchase!
Do you need help finding quality medical-grade gloves that protect against viruses, infections, and diseases? We’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know before making your next medical-grade glove purchase.
WHAT ARE MEDICAL-GRADE GLOVES?
Medical-grade gloves, otherwise known as exam-grade gloves, were first designed for non-surgical medical procedures but are now used in all areas of health care. Medical grade exam gloves are different from regular gloves because the glove quality must be high enough to provide enough strength to protect the wearer and patient against transmission of diseases and infections. They differ from industrial-grade gloves due to one critical factor: Rigorous factory-level testing.
Medical-exam grade gloves are tested to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D6319 "Standard Specification for Nitrile Examination Gloves for Medical Application.
This testing is based on acceptable quality limits (AQL) set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. An AQL limit sets a standard for how many gloves within a batch can fail testing. Gloves with fewer defects have a lower AQL score.
Exam-grade gloves require an AQL of 2.5 or less. This means that in a batch of exam-grade gloves, only 1.5% of the batch can fail the test (2.5 gloves out of a batch of 100). If a batch of gloves fails testing, they will be marked for industrial use only.
Additionally, manufacturers must have a registration with the FDA called a 510(K) submission to demonstrate that the device is safe and effective.
WHO USES MEDICAL-GRADE EXAM GLOVES?
Medical grade gloves are worn by surgeons, medical laboratory technicians, and other medical personnel who might need protection from hazardous materials and chemicals.
Exam-grade gloves are an essential form of protection for any industry with exposure to biological hazards: Caregivers, tattoo artists, aestheticians, janitors, housekeeping staff, and childcare providers all have a need for gloves.
Anyone who comes in direct contact with blood pathogens or bodily fluids while caring for people or our furry friends is required to wear Exam-Grade gloves. Exam-grade gloves are considered vital in areas with a higher risk of potential exposure. Gloves effectively reduce the chances of becoming infected with bloodborne pathogens after contact.
IF YOU ARE INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE, PLEASE DON'T RISK YOUR HEALTH.
USE A MEDICAL-GRADE GLOVE!
MEDICAL GRADE EXAM GLOVES ARE AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT MATERIALS :
LATEX, VINYL AND NITRILE
Latex:
Latex is a natural material that can be turned into a thin protective barrier without sacrificing dexterity and sensitivity to touch. Unfortunately, latex can cause complications for those who have a latex allergy. According to OSHA, 8-12% of health care workers are latex sensitive: Symptoms include:
Sneezing and runny nose
Itching, redness of the skin, or hives
Red, itchy, or watery eyes
Sore throat or headache
Trouble breathing, wheezing or coughing
It is recommended to use a latex alternative to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction.
Vinyl:
Vinyl gloves are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a petroleum-based film, and plasticizers. Because they do not pose the same allergy risk as latex or natural rubber alternatives, this makes them an attractive option for employee safety.
While vinyl gloves are less expensive they are highly susceptible to tears and punctures, which leads to a greater risk of spread of contamination. They are also not as elastic or form-fitting, thus providing less dexterity to the wearer creating a greater risk of exposure.
Nitrile:
The best latex alternative is Nitrile. Nitrile is derived from NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) which is used in a wide range of materials, from aerospace, shoes, molded products, glues, foam, and of course gloves. Nitrile gloves do not contain the protein found in latex gloves and can be used by people who suffer from latex allergies while still offering superior protection. Other benefits include:
Stronger than latex with more puncture resistance
Latex-free, protein-free, and allergy-free
High level of sensitivity
Offers a great fit molding to the hand
Mimics the fit and feel of latex gloves
Strong chemical protection and resistance
Highly resistant to oils, fats, and petroleum-based products
Long-lasting durability and flexible
Lightweight and breathable material, easy to use
Affordable option for a higher level of protection
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF EXAM-GRADE GLOVES?
Exam grade gloves typically cost more than non-exam gloves, but this is a small price to pay for the protection they offer.
Increased protection against infections, chemicals, and other dangerous substances
Better overall skin protection
More dexterity than a non-exam glove
Increased Grip
WHERE CAN I FIND MEDICAL-GRADE GLOVES?
The best place to find medical-grade gloves is from us! Guardian NC4 nitrile examination gloves offer exam-grade protection and are tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials. They are ASTM D6319 certified and also 510-K certified by the FDA.
Advetage Solutions LLC is proud to be a trusted supplier to hospitals, state and local health agencies, and the federal government. Give us a try and experience the quality of our exam gloves for yourself. We may be reached at (424) 292-8432, or by email at sales@advetage.com
To purchase gloves right away, and online, please visit our partner (Apiary) using this link: Guardian™ NC4 Gloves