Douglas A, Simon TR, Goddard M, et al.
American Industrial Hygiene Association journal. Date of publication 1997 Sep 1;volume 58(9):672-6.
1. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1997 Sep;58(9):672-6. doi: 10.1080/15428119791012487.
Barrier durability of latex and vinyl medical gloves in clinical settings.
Douglas A(1), Simon TR, Goddard M.
Author information:
(1)Medical Devices Bureau, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
adouglas@magmacom.com
This study evaluated changes in the tensile strength and barrier integrity of
medical gloves during hospital clinical use. Nonsterile vinyl, sterile vinyl,
and nonsterile natural rubber latex gloves were collected after use in a
clinical setting and then tested for tensile strength, elongation, and water
leakage. Tensile properties of vinyl gloves did not change during use, whereas
changes in latex depended on the brand evaluated. New gloves, regardless of
material of manufacture, were found to have leakage rates of 2% or less. Two
brands of nonsterile vinyl gloves were found to have an average rate of leakage
after use of 24 to 28% (average 26%), three brands of latex gloves of 6 to 10%
(average 8%), and one brand of sterile vinyl gloves of 3%. Low-protein
powderless latex gloves leaked slightly less than the powdered brands. The high
rates of leakage observed for nonsterile vinyl gloves indicate that they provide
less barrier protection than latex in typical hospital use. The low leakage rate
observed for sterile vinyl gloves indicates that barrier durability is not
solely a function of the generic polymer composition of the barrier.
DOI: 10.1080/15428119791012487
PMID: 11419481 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
