Powder-free nitrile gloves are single-use and disposable, we often don't think much about the appropriate applications for this type of PPE. In this article, you will learn more about nitrile gloves. Find out the important uses for this type of glove and the correct way to remove them. Check out!

What is powder-free nitrile gloves?

powder-free nitrile gloves are personal protective equipment that has become popular thanks to their use in healthcare, where these gloves quickly became a replacement for latex gloves. Nitrile, the material of this type of glove, provides the same protection against punctures, cuts, and chemicals as latex gloves.

However, nitrile is a much less aggressive agent than latex in terms of allergic reactions. Many people suffer from latex allergies. Therefore, nitrile gloves are preferred as they come of synthetic rubber. This explains its popularization in the health area.

Nitrile and latex gloves techniques

If the wearer of the powder-free nitrile gloves is not allergic to latex, still, someone assisted by this professional could be. Nitrile is also a stronger material than latex – in fact, it's up to 3 times more puncture resistant. However, there is a big difference in tactile feel between nitrile and latex gloves.

While this is still partially true, manufacturing techniques continue to improve, and the gap between latex and nitrile is not as big as it common to be. Another advantage of nitrile gloves has to do with price. Because they come of synthetic materials, nitrile gloves are much more affordable than latex gloves.

Composition and manufacture of nitrile gloves

Powder-free nitrile gloves are synthetic latex with a composition of physical properties resistant to petroleum oils and fuels. The material itself comes in laboratories and has no natural origin. Because of this, we are producing a nitrile glove is cheaper than producing a natural rubber latex glove.

Professional companies manufacture Nitrile gloves with glove shapes being dipped in a calcium nitrate solution, and this solution coagulates into the glove shape. Once the calcium nitrate solution has dried evenly into the glove shape, it is now dipped into the nitrile solution to form the glove itself.

What are the uses of powder-free nitrile gloves?

The two main professional categories in which powder-free nitrile gloves are common are

1. First, industry
2. Second, healthcare

Industrial applications of powder-free nitrile gloves

Industrial grade nitrile gloves are best suited for applications involving handling harsh chemicals and/or solvents. Industries, that use this type of powder-free nitrile gloves include:

• First, automotive
• Second, food services
• Lastly, cleaning, among others

While industries such as food service have specific requirements that gloves need to meet, they are not as stringent as those that will be common in healthcare. In the healthcare area, the nitrile glove is common in areas where there is a risk of contact with blood pathogens and/or environmental contaminants.

Applications of powder-free nitrile gloves

They are common in healthcare sectors, such as:

• First, hospitals
• Second, laboratories
• Moreover, dental offices
• Lastly, veterinarians, among others

How to remove nitrile gloves?

How powder-free nitrile gloves remove after use is an important step to ensure that any contaminants do not spread. Putting gloves on correctly requires a little care to ensure the material doesn't stretch too much. This can cause small tears that leave your skin vulnerable.

Below, check out the step-by-step instructions for correctly and safely removing the nitrile glove:

1. Squeeze the outside of the glove, in the region of the glove edge
2. Keep removing the glove, turning it inside out
3. Pull the glove out until it completely removes from the hand. Hold the glove inside out with the other hand
4. With one hand no longer gloved in powder-free nitrile gloves, repeat procedure 3 on other hand
5. Moreover, continue pulling the glove down and over the first glove
6. This ensures that both gloves are inside out, with one glove wrapped inside the other
7. Lastly, it is without the risk of contaminants on the hands

Note: The good idea is to practice by removing gloves that have not been common. That way, if you need a few tries to get it right, you won't have to worry about meeting potentially dangerous agents. Now that you know what nitrile glove is and how important it is to work safely

We invite you to keep informed and learn about powder-free nitrile gloves. There are many types of disposable gloves: vinyl, latex, virile, neoprene, polyethylene, PVC. The most common in the dental sector are latex, vinyl, and nitrile. Let's look at the differences so you can correctly choose the ones that match your needs.

Types of powder-free nitrile gloves

Following are the 3 main types of nitrile gloves.

1-Latex gloves

The latex gloves come from natural rubber, one of the most adaptable and resilient materials that exist, so that proves particularly suited for the manufacture of adjustable and comfortable gloves. However, as it is a natural material, some people may experience allergic reactions.

Characteristics:

• First, extremely elastic
• Second, powder-free nitrile glovesis  the perfect protection against hazardous substances
• Easy placement and natural adjustment
• Lastly, soft to touch

2-Nitrile gloves

The nitrile gloves come from synthetic polymers (100% synthetic nitrile) and offer similar protection to the latex but with increased resistance to puncture. These gloves have a very high chemical resistance, and their micro-roughened, powder-free surface provides high comfort and a sense of touch.

Characteristics of powder-free nitrile gloves

• Good elasticity, although less than latex gloves
• High puncture resistance
• The ideal alternative in case of allergy to latex gloves

3-Vinyl gloves

The vinyl powder-free nitrile gloves are synthetic, come of synthetic resin of polyvinyl chloride, latex gloves are no chemicals and accelerators, which makes them ideal for prevent allergic conditions. This type of glove has good barrier protection, resists a wide range of contaminants, and is commonly common in dentistry.

Characteristics  

• Ideal for short tasks
• Acceptable comfort and elasticity
• Price similar to latex
• Not as puncture resistant as latex

Powder-free nitrile gloves or non-powdered gloves?

The powder-free nitrile gloves come  of corn starch and have the advantage of facilitating its placement, but the inconvenience of causing irritation or allergies. The powder, however, does not affect any functionality, durability, or strength of the glove.