There are four main types of medical gloves: latex, nitrile, polyvinyl chloride (commonly known as vinyl), and polychloroprene (commonly known as neoprene, we call it PI glove). Medical gloves can come with coatings or treatments such as polymer coating, but they cannot have powder on them according to FDA guidelines.
- Latex gloves are made from natural rubber. Rubber tree sap is harvested and preserved with ammonia, then purified and concentrated to get rid of water and impurities. After mixing it with additional processing chemicals, latex is ready to use for gloves. These gloves are the most elastic and resilient type, as well as biodegradable. They also provide the highest level of protection against viruses. However, they can also be an allergen to certain people, as well as creating allergies for people who are constantly exposed to latex over time.
- Vinyl gloves are best for low risk situations, as they do not provide much protection from micro-organisms. These are the least expensive type of glove, but they do not fit as well as other types. The rubber in these gloves comes from polymerized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is given plasticizer to make it flexible.
- Nitrile gloves come from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a copolymer. Acrylonitrile and butadiene are combined in a copolymerization process to create this material. Nitrile gloves are stronger and wear better than latex while providing a better fit and more dexterity than vinyl. They also protect against chemicals and viruses.
- Neoprene gloves are made up of a combination of chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen, crosslinked as polymers using sulfur. These gloves are not as commonly used, but they combine the properties of latex and nitrile. They provide a good fit and are durable and free of allergens while providing protection from chemicals and bodily fluids.
