Disposable nitrile gloves in COVID-19 times
2 March 2022
Nitrile vs. Latex Gloves: Main Differences?
11 April 2022Nitrile gloves as an alternative for handling chemotherapeutic agents
In 1986 and 1995, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States issued guidelines for the safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents. Natural rubber latex gloves are suitable for all levels of handling these drugs; these gloves protect the health care worker and a high degree of manual dexterity in performing tasks requiring fine motor skills. However, many health care workers experience allergic reactions to natural rubber latex, with symptoms ranging from minor skin irritation to systemic anaphylaxis; the latter is a severe life-threatening condition. Therefore is very important to find gloves alternatives to latex ones that offer protection against biological and chemical agents and are also easy to use and comfortable fit for health care workers.
What was the method used to test the nitrile gloves?
In this study, a thin-gauge (0.0045-inch gauge) disposable nitrile glove was tested; this glove, which offers fine motor skill ability to its users, has been tested against a wide range of chemicals but has not yet been tested against chemotherapeutic agents. Using the American Society for Testing and Materials method F739-92, these gloves were tested for permeation resistance at three concentrations, simulating exposures to Pharmacy, Nursing, and Housekeeping staff. Eleven commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs were investigated. Conductivity was used to determine whether the drug was present in the test solutions.
Results of the test of nitrile gloves
The drug was not present in any of the samples collected. When carmustine was tested, the effluent had a distinct alcohol odor, but no conductivity was noticed.
After testing the nitrile gloves, these are the conclusions:
Back in the days when this study took place, they determined that disposable nitrile gloves were acceptable for preparing the chemotherapy agents tested. Nowadays, we know that nitrile gloves are 100% suitable for this and all medical procedures. Hospitals have found a trustworthy replacement for natural rubber latex products, and staff members are more aware of the potential for latex sensitivity in both patients and other health care workers. Manufacturers of non-latex gloves are encouraged and have conducted chemotherapy permeability studies on their products.
Source: SAGE journals