Disposable gloves are used in various industries and settings to protect the wearer from harmful substances or germs. However, not all disposable gloves are created equal. There are different types of disposable gloves available on the market, each designed for specific applications and with varying levels of protection. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between exam grade gloves vs industrial grade gloves vs chemotherapy grade gloves vs surgical grade gloves.
Exam Grade Gloves Exam grade gloves are intended for use in medical settings such as clinics, hospitals, and laboratories. They must meet certain standards set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to ensure that they provide adequate protection against blood-borne pathogens and other hazardous materials. These gloves are made from high-quality materials like nitrile, vinyl, or latex which offer superior barrier protection against pathogens while allowing for excellent tactile sensitivity.
Industrial Grade Gloves Industrial-grade gloves are typically used in non-medical settings such as manufacturing plants, automotive repair shops, janitorial services among others. They are made from thicker materials and offer greater durability than exam-grade gloves; however their strength may be compromised since they have not been tested or certified by FDA thus may not pass safety standards required for use in medical settings.
Chemotherapy Grade Gloves Chemotherapy grade gloves are designed specifically for use during chemotherapy treatments where patients may come into contact with toxic chemicals that can cause severe skin irritation or damage if not handled properly. These gloves must meet stringent requirements set by ASTM International to ensure that they provide maximum protection against these hazardous drugs.
Surgical Grade Gloves Surgical-grade gloves are used in surgical procedures where there is a higher risk of infection due to exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. These gloves must adhere to strict guidelines set by the FDA regarding their quality and performance characteristics like tensile strength,dexterity,sensitivity,and freedom from holes among others.They also need to be sterile before being used since any contamination could lead to infections
The key differences between these four types of disposable gloves lie mainly in their intended application and their level of certification required given the industry-specific hazards involved.
Exam-grade gloves are ideal for medical personnel who require excellent tactile sensitivity while handling patients' body fluids, while industrial-grade gloves offer more durability but may not meet safety standards required for use in medical settings.
Chemotherapy grade gloves provide maximum protection against toxic chemicals commonly used during cancer treatment; hence recommended only when handling hazardous drugs or chemicals.
Surgical-grade gloves offer a high degree of protection against infection due to exposure to bodily fluids; hence must be sterile before being worn by surgical staff.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of glove is crucial based on its intended application.For instance Exam-Grade Gloves should only be used if you're working in a medical facility whereas Industrial-Grade Gloves would be better suited for janitorial services or other non-medical industries.Choosing appropriate glove type ensures that you get adequate protection while working with hazardous substances whether at home or work place setting .