It is indisputable that one of the essential items in a healthcare environment is disposable gloves. Gloves play an indispensable role in protecting patients and health workers from microbes and disease-causing microorganisms during treatment.
Apart from that, gloves are also essential for precedent hygiene across the industry.
However, there are specific standards set by the FDA and CDC over which materials are suitable for use in PPEs in the medical field. This also applies to medical examination gloves, including vinyl glove, as they are made from different materials.
For example, the FDA banned the use of powdered gloves in 2017, deeming them dangerous for use in healthcare environments. So, you might be wondering if vinyl gloves are powder-free. Well, here are all the answers you need.
Why Were Powdered Gloves Banned For Medical Use?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on the use of powdered medical gloves in 2017, deeming them fit for use for medical practices. This ban got many in surprise with uncertainty over the cause of the ban.
According to the FDA, powdered gloves use was very dangerous for various reasons considering their use in patients. The powder added to gloves makes putting them on and off easier. But one concern was that the powder would soon become airborne, causing allergic reactions to people nearby, especially patients.
There was also evidence suggesting that powdered gloves contributed to wound inflammation. In severe cases, the gloves would cause inflammation and bands of scar tissue formation in a patient’s organs after surgery. The FDA proposed the use of non-powdered alternatives without the same risks to address these issues.
The agency also proposed adding a warning label to powder added gloves to address the possible risks.
Are Vinyl Gloves Powder Free?
Vinyl gloves are manufactured with PVC petroleum-based material and are entirely powder-free. These non-sterile or sterile gloves are compliant with the health standards set by Health Canada and the FDA and can thus be used for medical examinations.
Before buying vinyl gloves, you should note that there are two types, which are medical and non-medical gloves. While medical vinyl gloves are designed for use in the medical industry, the latter is intended for industrial use. Non-medical vinyl gloves are suitable for use in food handling, customer service, gas stations, garages, and other lightweight industrial operations.
Medical vinyl gloves are suitable for medical use as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as mandated by FDA and Health Canada. They are only used once to prevent bacteria and dangerous microbe infections to patients and medical professionals and then disposed of. Other uses of medical vinyl gloves are in first aid training and patient examination.
Due to their powder-free nature, vinyl gloves do not cause allergic reactions and wound inflammation and thus their recommendable use in the healthcare industry. For those with latex related allergies, vinyl gloves are a good alternative if you work in an industrial setting since they are banned in healthcare settings.
Benefits Of Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves have several benefits, whether you are in the healthcare industry or lightweight industrial fields. One most obvious benefit of using vinyl gloves is that they keep your hands free from contamination.
Vinyl gloves are manufactured from PVC film making enabling them to be stretchable and versatile. They can easily hold up against wear, tear, and puncture when used in lightweight tasks. For example, vinyl gloves can protect your hands from chafing while working with static tools.
These gloves are also useful in preventing contact with oil substances, emulsions, and other non-hazardous chemicals. However, vinyl gloves may not offer much protection while handling hazardous chemicals such as acids.
Vinyl gloves are a better alternative for those who experience allergies associated with latex and rubber gloves. Vinyl gloves are the most versatile and protective for use in healthcare settings and lightweight industrial tasks coupled with their low cost.
So, next time you are looking for a better solution to protect your hand while working, consider using adaptable and flexible vinyl gloves.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Vinyl Gloves
Most people might think that buying disposable gloves does not require much consideration. But this is a misconception considering the varying specifications, uses, properties, and the set resistance requirements. Consideration must also be given when choosing the right vinyl gloves and determining if they are right for you. Here are things to consider before purchasing vinyl gloves.
1. The Intended Use
As said earlier, vinyl gloves are specifically designed for two uses. One is used in healthcare settings for patient examination, medical operations, handling specimens, and sometimes used in surgery. If you work in a healthcare setting, it is recommendable that you buy vinyl medical examination gloves as these are specifically designed and labeled to be used as PPEs.
Industrial standard gloves, on the other hand, are specifically designed for lightweight industrial tasks. For example, they are suitable for people working in the food industry to prevent hand contact with oil and other kitchen liquids. These gloves are also useful in gas stations, garages, and other fields where there are constant oil spills.
When purchasing vinyl gloves, it is recommendable to select vinyl gloves that suit your professional line. These gloves are often labeled according to their specific uses.
2. Materials Being handled
Whether you are working in the medical or lightweight industrial fields, vinyl gloves might not be suitable depending on your handling materials. Vinyl gloves offer moderate protection and are thus not suited to handle highly hazardous material.
For example, handling highly infectious disease specimens might not be recommendable using vinyl gloves. There might also be other dangerous chemicals in the medical field that require specialized gloves.
This also applies to lightweight industrial tasks. Highly hazardous materials such as acid, radioactive material, and other highly reactive chemicals require specialized gloves other than vinyl.
It is always essential to take precautions and consider the type of gloves suitable for each task for the sake of your safety. Vinyl gloves are ideal for lightweight medical and industrial jobs that require moderate protection.
