Medical gloves are a must-have item for all healthcare professionals who work in a hospital setting. Gloves not only shield the wearer, but they also establish a safe zone for both healthcare personnel and patients, making the industry safer and more comfortable to operate in.
Exam gloves and surgical gloves are the two primary forms of gloves used in the healthcare and medical sectors. Exam gloves, which can be sterile or non-sterile, are used for routine tasks such as examining patients and handling sensitive items. Surgical gloves are typically sterile – one set of gloves packaged in a sterile package – and feature more accurate sizing to ensure a tighter fit. Surgical gloves are also more sensitive, allowing surgeons or experts to conduct their operations with greater precision. The gloves are also made to a very high standard to ensure the highest possible quality.
Here are some of the industries where latex gloves are used as part of standard operating procedures.
Medical Care
Disposable gloves are used by healthcare practitioners all around the world. The gloves act as a shield between the wearer’s skin and the biohazardous substance. Blood, pee, excrement, and spit are all examples of bodily fluids. They serve the dual goal of preventing cross-contamination and protecting patients.
Health care providers are not the only ones who come into contact with blood and other fluids. Many additional occupations benefit from latex’s protective properties. EMTs, firemen, first responders, and cops are among those who fall under this category.
Oral Care
Inside the average human mouth, there are about 700 distinct species of bacteria. This natural microflora is necessary for maintaining a healthy oral cavity.
An average human mouth can have twenty to a hundred billion bacteria at any given moment. (That is more than the entire population of the Earth!) These germs are not dangerous. However, if there is a cut or opening in the skin, there is still a risk of infection.
Vets
A worried or stressed animal, unlike (most) people, tends to urinate just where they are standing. That is enough for veterinary clinics to provide personnel with protective gloves. There are, however, more severe considerations. Bartonellosis (catch scratch sickness) is a very benign human disease. The bacterium that causes it is present in wild cats, rescued strays, and tiny kittens. Bites and scrapes from animals not accustomed to home life can cause bacterial transmission. Disposable latex gloves are essential for preventing the spread of this frequent disease.
Tattoo Salons
A tattoo artist’s job is to make you bleed. Some tattoos require several hours to design and perfect. This environment provides opportunities for exposure. Tattoo artists are masters of their craft. They can benefit from latex gloves’ suppleness and natural feel. Despite this, the gloves do not obstruct their artistic expression while providing safety.
Food Industry
Food preparation is now a safer procedure thanks to the use of disposable latex gloves. They also help food service employees with chapped and dry skin, which is caused by the necessity for repeated hand washing when gloves are not used on a regular basis.
As you’ve seen, many selections and personal preferences go into selecting the appropriate type of gloves for the suitable industry area. And, as technology advances, people will undoubtedly witness additional advancements in manufacturing medical gloves. Disposable gloves are intended for single use and should be used when providing direct treatment to patients, especially if they will be in contact with body fluids. The gloves will be removed and discarded after each procedure or interaction with a patient, and the person will need to wash or sanitise their hands.