Medical gloves are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and other professionals who may come into contact with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, or patient, your safety is a top priority. In Canada, just like in other parts of the world, there are a plethora of options available in the market for different sizes, materials, and purposes. Therefore, selecting the right medical gloves is essential to obtain protection. Today, we’ll guide you about choosing the right medical gloves Canada and everything you need to know about gloves.
Why Are Medical Gloves Important?
- Infection Control: Medical gloves create a barrier that stops germs and bacteria from passing between healthcare workers and patients.
- Patient Safety: When healthcare workers wear gloves, it reduces the risk of transmitting infections from one patient to another. This is especially crucial in hospitals and clinics where patients with various illnesses are treated.
- Healthcare Worker Protection: Gloves protect healthcare workers from exposure to bodily fluids, chemicals, and other hazardous materials they may encounter during work. This helps keep healthcare professionals safe and healthy.
- Personal Hygiene: Gloves ensure that healthcare workers maintain proper personal hygiene while providing care. They help prevent contamination of hands and reduce the chances of spreading infections.
Types of Medical Gloves
Before selecting medical gloves, it’s essential to know that there are different types available. We are mentioning here the four most common types of medical gloves. Each type has its unique features and intended use.
- Latex Gloves: Latex gloves offer good protection against bacteria as well as viruses. They are elastic, comfortable, and provide excellent fit. There are, however, some people who are allergic to latex, so you need to keep this in mind when purchasing gloves.
- Nitrile Gloves: The Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic material called nitrile rubber. Moreover, nitrile gloves are an excellent alternative to latex gloves for individuals suffering from latex allergies. Overall, these gloves provide a good level of protection against infections and are resilient to punctures, chemicals, and abrasions.
- Vinyl Gloves: These gloves are cost-effective but offer less protection than latex or nitrile gloves. Vinyl gloves are suitable for low-risk tasks and are often used in food service and general healthcare settings.
- Disposable Gloves: Disposable gloves are most commonly used in Canada. These gloves are for single-use applications only. They are available in various materials, including latex, nitrile, and vinyl. These gloves are convenient for any tasks requiring frequent glove changes to prevent cross-contamination.
Choosing the Right Size
The right size of medical gloves offers comfort and functionality. If the gloves are too small, they can tear easily, while those too large can be uncomfortable and difficult to work with. Use the following guidelines to find your size:
- Extra-Small (XS): Less than 6 inches (15 cm)
- Small (S): 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
- Medium (M): 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
- Large (L): 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
- Extra-Large (XL): More than 9 inches (23 cm)
Consider the Glove Material
- Latex Gloves: These gloves are made up of natural rubber extracted from rubber trees. These gloves have high elasticity, are highly durable, and have a good grip whether you are wet or dry. They are also resistant to alcohol and other water-soluble chemicals. Moreover, they are comfortable and provide excellent tactile sensitivity.
- Overall, These are a good choice for tasks that require fine motor skills, such as surgery or dental procedures. However, be aware of latex allergies, and always ask patients if they have latex allergies before using latex gloves.
- Nitrile Gloves: Today’s disposable gloves are made from synthetic rubber called nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a type of synthetic rubber that is exceptionally resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals. Nitrile gloves are an excellent alternative for those with latex allergies. They are resistant to punctures and chemicals, making them suitable for a wide range of medical procedures.
- Vinyl Gloves: Usually, vinyl gloves are made from raw synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and phthalates (DINP plasticizers). It is these materials that give plastic products their flexibility and softness. Vinyl gloves are cost-effective but offer less protection compared to latex or nitrile gloves. They are suitable for tasks where the risk of exposure to infectious materials is low. Vinyl gloves are easy to put on and take off.
- Disposable Gloves: Nitrile gloves Canada come in various materials. They are convenient for tasks that require frequent glove changes to prevent cross-contamination.
Glove Thickness
Gloves thickness is also an important factor to consider when selecting the gloves. Medical gloves come in different thicknesses, usually measured in mils (one mil equals 0.001 inches or 0.0254 millimeters). The thickness of the glove affects its durability and its ability to protect against punctures and chemicals.
- Thin Gloves (3-4 mils): These gloves offer excellent tactile sensitivity, making them suitable for delicate procedures. However, they may be more prone to tears and punctures.
- Medium Gloves (5-7 mils): These gloves strike a balance between sensitivity and durability. They are suitable for most medical procedures and offer adequate protection against contaminants.
- Thick Gloves (8-14 mils): Thick gloves provide maximum durability and protection. In situations where the risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals or sharp objects is high, thick gloves are commonly used to protect workers.
Glove Standards and Regulations in Canada
In Canada, medical gloves fall under the regulations of the Food and Drug Act and the Medical Devices Regulations. These regulations classify medical gloves as Class II medical devices. This means that before they can be brought into Canada, sold, or promoted, they must receive approval from Health Canada.
To get licensed, medical gloves must meet certain requirements, including:
- They must be manufactured under a certified quality management system.
- They must be free from any defects that could jeopardize their safety and effectiveness.
- They must adhere to the relevant standards for their physical and chemical properties.
The specific Canadian standard for medical gloves is ISO 11193-1:2008 or ASTM D3578, depending on the glove material. However, if a glove complies with EN 455-1, it also meets the necessary standard.
Wrap up!
With this knowledge, you can choose the right gloves for your needs. Keeping in mind the gloves’ type, size, and thickness, one can easily find a glove that fits comfortably. If you still have queries or want to share more information, please feel free to get in touch with us. Thank you for reading