What's New in Surgical Gloves

In a surgery center or hospital, little things can often add up to big improvements. That's why you may want to examine the surgical and exam gloves you are currently using. Though gloves may not be a significant expense, they have a real impact on your staff's safety, and quality gloves can play a part in keeping surgeons happy with your facility. In this article, we'll offer a few tips on buying gloves, then explore the latest models on the market.

Facility managers cite fit, tactile sensitivity, durability, and concerns about latex and powder as the biggest factors they consider when selecting gloves. Pam Ertel, facility administrator at the HealthSouth Exeter Surgery Center in Reading, Pa., points out that different specialties require different features; for example, ophthalmologists may require gloves with no powder, so powder residue does not get into patients' eyes. Orthopedic surgeons require heavier gloves to protect them from jagged bone edges and accidental punctures from screws or implants.

Veronica Melendez, administrator of the Specialty Surgery and Pain Center in San Antonio, Texas, stresses that it's crucial to get gloves that fit. "Make sure you try before you buy," she says. "Have your vendors come in with glove samples, and make sure your entire staff and all your surgeons try on the gloves before you make a long-term commitment." Don't assume that you can always wear the same size, she warns; often, someone who wears a particular size in one brand could wear a size smaller or larger in another. Some gloves may have longer fingers, or a tighter palm, so make sure everyone evaluates different varieties.

Concerns over latex allergies prompt many facility managers to keep a supply of latex-free gloves on hand, but some are not pleased with the performance of these products. "They tend to be more difficult to get on, they wrinkle more easily and don't fit as well, and they're less durable," states Sue Nowell, nursing manager at the Bay Area Surgery Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Experts say that as long as you are prepared for the occasional emergency, there's no need to switch over completely to latex-free and powder-free varieties. "Powdered gloves are fine as long as you rinse off the powder, and using latex-free gloves all the time is simply not cost effective, since latex allergies are few and far between," says Ms. Melendez. "You shouldn't have to increase your overall costs because of a few cases."

Glove manufacturers have been working to meet the need for durable, comfortable, non allergy-inducing products. Below, we review some of the newest gloves on the market and show you how they may make surgery more safe and comfortable for your staff and patients.

An Anatomical Design: A broader back of hand anatomical design may help Sempermed's Supreme Surgical Gloves fit better and reduce hand fatigue, the company says. These powder-free latex gloves also feature a copolymer coating that is said to make donning easier. The company says the gloves are slightly textured to increase the sensitivity and grip. One box, which includes 40 pairs, sells for about $40. Call (800) 366-9545 or visit www.sempermed.com.

The Feel of Latex, Without the Risk: A new synthetic material called Isolex may provide the strength and tactile sensitivity of latex while eliminating the danger of latex allergies. So says Maxxim Medical, whose SensiCare Synthetic Powder Free Surgical Gloves are composed of this new material. The gloves are manufactured with a proprietary hand mold design and a synthetic inner coating that facilitate donning, says the company. Prices depend on supplier discounts. Call (800) 243-0072 or visit www.maxximmedical.com.

Three Layers of Safety: Allegiance's Protegrity Powder-free Surgical Gloves have a three-layer, or "triple-dipped" composition, the company says. The outer layer is natural rubber latex, which is said to give the glove a soft feel, high tensile strength and good elasticity. The second layer is a blend of nitrile and natural rubber, which helps the inner coating adhere to the latex. The inner layer is 100 percent synthetic nitrile, which is said to provide easier donning, strength, durability, and more puncture resistance than 100 percent latex gloves. Prices depend on supplier discounts. Call (800) 964-5227 or visit www.allegiance.net.

Protection from Punctures: You may get an added layer of protection against accidental glove punctures with Regent Medical's Biogel Indicator Underglove. The Underglove is a thin, powder-free latex glove designed to be worn underneath an outer glove (the company does not recommend using the Underglove as a stand-alone glove). If the outer glove is punctured and fluid passes through the hole, a conspicuous green patch develops at the puncture site, warning the user to put on another pair of outer gloves. All of the Biogel gloves incorporate a patented polymer coating instead of powder to make donning easier. Prices depend on supplier discounts. Call (800) 843-8497 or visit www.regentmedical.com.

Safety and Sensitivity: You may be able to get extra sensitivity without compromising barrier protection with Ansell Perry's Encore Acclaim Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves. The manufacturer says that these gloves are thicker than average surgical gloves, which may make them more tear- and puncture-resistant. They also feature a smooth surface, which enables increased tactile sensitivity, the company says. The gloves have a polymer coating which takes the place of powder, making them easier to put on. Prices depend on supplier discounts. Call (800) 321-9752 or visit www.ansell.com.

Easy Donning Without Bulk: If you and your staff prefer powder-free products, but you feel gloves that incorporate a polymer coating to replace powder also add unwanted bulkiness, the Pristine Powder-Free Sterile Surgical Glove may be a welcome alternative. According to the manufacturer, World Medical Supply (USA) Inc., these latex gloves are put through a special chemical process that restructures the latex molecules to create a smooth interior for easy donning and a slightly textured exterior for a sure grip. Since there is no polymer coating to add bulkiness, the gloves allow greater tactile sensitivity, says the company. The Pristine gloves range in price from $2.00 to $2.50 per pair. Prices depend on distributor discounts. Call (800) 545-5475 or visit www.powderfree.com.

Banish Latex and Glove Powder from the OR: You may be able to keep your operating rooms completely free of both natural rubber latex and irritating glove powders with BarrierPlus Synthetic Powder-Free Surgeons Gloves. The gloves, which are composed of neoprene, feature a proprietary coating called Hydroglide that allows easy donning, even with damp hands, says the manufacturer, BarrierMed, Inc. The price of the BarrierPlus gloves depends on supplier discounts. Call (800) 966-1604 or visit www.barriermed.com.

Two Latex-Free Options: SmartCare offers two latex-free options for your OR. The company's ElastylonPF Non-Latex Surgical Gloves are made of a synthetic copolymer that is said to provide strength and durability with stretch and tactile sensitivity. The gloves' surface repels fluids, which prevents them from swelling and sagging, the company says. SmartCare also offers the ElastyLite Non-Latex Surgical Gloves, which are lightly powdered. The price of the gloves depends on supplier discounts. Call (800) 822-8956 or visit www.smartcare.com.