Gloves are a critical component of barrier protection for every healthcare professional. Your health and safety, and that of your patients, deserves time spent re-assessing this important part of your everyday tasks. Here are some key characteristics to review.
You Get What You Pay For
Why should you care about the specs of your gloves? Because quality matters. From chemicals that can be added during the manufacturing process to critical defects like pinholes that can leave you at risk, these are the two key specifications to keep in mind.
Acceptance Quality Limits (AQL): Lower is Better
Lower AQL levels typically equate to higher quality. Exam gloves’ pinhole-AQL needs to be 2.5 or lower to meet FDA regulations.
Tensile Strength: Higher is Better
How well does your glove resist tearing? ASTM standards say it has to be at least 18 “before aging” and at least 14 “after aging.”
Size Matters
Does your glove fit properly? Too tight and it’s susceptible to cuts and tears, impairs fine motor skills, and contributes to hand fatigue. Too loose and tasks become awkward and the extra space provides an opportunity for potential contamination. Like all things meant to be worn, sizes can be different between manufacturers. Don’t assume a Medium from Brand X is the same size as Medium from Brand Y. If you’ve recently switched brands, try a size up or down to see if the fit is better.
Powder-Free! Why It Matters.
For you, powder can act as an irritant and result in painful contact dermatitis. For your patients, powder can leak into lab tests or open wounds, with unhealthy results. Always use powder-free gloves to ensure accurate lab tests and to prevent HAIs.
There’s more to consider, like chemical resistance, elasticity, and shelf life. The point to be made is to do your research to make sure you have the right glove for the job at hand.