What Is a Sterile Latex Surgical Glove?
Sterile latex surgical gloves are specialized medical gloves used primarily during surgical procedures and in environments that require a higher level of hygiene, such as the management of infectious diseases. Unlike standard examination gloves, these gloves are individually sterilized, packaged in pairs, and produced according to surgical application requirements.
They are available in various hand-specific sizes, typically ranging from 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8 to 8.5, to ensure a snug and anatomically correct fit for each user.
Types of Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves
The choice of sterile latex surgical glove may vary depending on the intended surgical use and personal preferences or skin sensitivities of the healthcare professional. The main types include:
Powdered Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves
These gloves contain medical-grade powder, making them easier to don compared to powder-free alternatives.
Advantages include:
The powder absorbs moisture from perspiration, keeping hands dry
Provides a softer feel inside the glove
Reduces the risk of tearing during application
Powder-Free Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves
These gloves are more difficult to put on compared to powdered gloves but are preferred by professionals who have skin sensitivities or allergies to glove powder. Powder-free gloves are often chosen in settings where powder contamination must be avoided, such as certain surgical environments or sterile processing areas.