Latex Free Gloves

The Growing Use of Latex-Free Gloves

Disposable gloves are important for any medical clinic, hospital or healthcare environment. Gloves help keep patients and staff safe and prevent exposure to pathogens, microbes and other hazards. While latex gloves were the standard of the past, organizations today have many options for disposable gloves, including numerous products without latex.

What Are Non-Latex Disposable Gloves?

Latex gloves are made from natural rubber. They have high touch sensitivity and are easy to put on and remove.

The prevalence of latex allergies has made latex-free disposable gloves essential in most healthcare environments. When someone with a latex allergy has physical contact with a latex product, they can experience hives, itchy skin, sneezing, coughing and even anaphylaxis or difficulty breathing. Non-latex gloves are a safe alternative for anyone with latex allergies or a potential allergy.

In the healthcare industry, where workers wear disposable gloves every day, some organizations are staying away from latex gloves. There is some evidence that repeated exposure to latex can increase the risk of developing an allergy. Healthcare workers who use latex gloves all the time may face a greater risk of developing a latex allergy.

Types of Latex-Free Disposable Gloves

Manufacturers have created non-latex gloves for several applications in medical settings, including:

• Latex-free nitrile gloves: Nitrile gloves are the most popular choice for a latex-free disposable glove because they are puncture-resistant, resistant to corrosive chemicals and even more durable than latex. While they’re slightly less flexible than latex, they offer exceptional protection. Nitrile gloves also fit well and have a long shelf life.
• TPE latex-free gloves: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is an alternative to vinyl made from plastic. These gloves are elastic and provide a good fit. Gloves made from TPE are lightweight and waterproof as well as cost-effective. TPE gloves are most often used for janitorial, food handling and light clinical tasks.
• Vinyl gloves: Vinyl gloves are made from petroleum-based PVC. They are very affordable and are generally used for tasks with a low probability of infection, such as food preparation and janitorial duties.
• Blended gloves: Vinyl/nitrile blend gloves are made from nitrile and PVC paste, giving them the advantages of both vinyl and nitrile gloves. These gloves fit well and offer additional protection.

Buy Your Latex-Free Disposable Gloves From SUNLINE Supply

SUNLINE Supply is an FDA-certified company. We carry only the highest-rated gloves and other PPE products. With 24/7 online shopping and supplies already in stock, we’ll help you save time. Our low prices and bulk ordering help you save money. Browse our gloves and order today or contact us if you have any questions.