Surgical gloves

Surgical glove is the most important protective clothing for the surgeon team to minimize the cross –infection . Most medical personnel are careful to select gloves because they have expectation regarding softness, pliability, sensitivity , comfort, easy of don and doff with special attention about protection against cross-infection. It should also possess anti-allergic property. Protection and comfort performance are the key factor in a glove effectiveness. Most disposable gloves are made from two types of materials , natural rubber latex and synthetic materials.38 Surgical gloves made from natural rubber latex are soft, fit well and more comfortable to wear than gloves made from other materials. Gloves made from synthetic material could causes skin irritation and allergies. Allergies related to wearing latex gloves were identified as a health problem for health care workers. The most common latex free gloves used in U.K are made from nitrile, neoprene or polyisoprene. Gloves made from neoprene and poly-isoprene were rated poorly for fit, feel and comfort due to poorer elastic quality. Wearing single or double layer surgical gloves can impair normal touch sensitivity significantly. Reduction in touch sensitivity may bring difficulty in using precision surgical work like inserting needles successfully leading to dissatisfaction . Recently , extra-thin surgical gloves have been produced to improve touch sensitivity. So the interface area between gloves and gown sleeve must be secured properly.