Neoprene Vs. Nitrile Gloves
In 1894, Doctor William Stewart Halsted developed and used rubber surgical gloves at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 1964, the first latex gloves were manufactured. Since then, gloves have become the standard for use in all medical situations.
-
Alternatives to Latex
-
As the market for latex gloves increased in the late 20th century, so did the number of reported allergic reactions to latex. Disposable neoprene and nitrile gloves are alternatives to disposable latex gloves for medical use.
Neoprene Defined
-
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that was developed in the 1930s. In addition to gloves, it is used in wet suits, bandages and athletic braces.
-
Nitrile Defined
-
Nitrile is a synthetic latex. In addition to gloves, it is used in adhesives, footwear, floormats and sealants.
Benefits of Neoprene Gloves
-
Neoprene gloves do not contain any latex rubber and are resistant to damage from external forces like heat and sunlight, are durable in all types of temperatures, and are flexible and tough. Neoprene gloves are puncture resistant, have great elasticity, and provide protection from blood-borne pathogens, acids and chemicals. They are ambidextrous.
Benefits of Nitrile Gloves
-
Nitrile gloves are flexible and tough and protect against blood-borne pathogens. They are three times more puncture resistant than latex gloves, are ambidextrous, and come in powder-free or powdered versions.
Drawbacks
-
It is possible to develop an allergic reaction to neoprene gloves, and a number of cases have been reported of allergic reactions to nitrile gloves. As more people wear them, the number of cases will likely increase as they did with allergic reactions to latex gloves.
-
References
- Photo Credit medical gloves image by sasha from Fotolia.com
