Disposable medical gloves

In a clinic, a care facility or during a first aid response, hands are often the first to be exposed to contamination risks.

Wearing suitable disposable medical gloves creates a barrier between the responder's hands, the surfaces being handled and certain contaminants.

But not all gloves are designed for the same tasks.

Nitrile, vinyl and latex have different characteristics. Some gloves are sterile, while others are intended for examinations and care that don't require sterile supplies.

Thickness, size, strength and conditions of use also matter.

At Cardio Choc, we offer latex-free nitrile exam gloves, NitriDerm sterile gloves and Aurelia Delight disposable vinyl gloves.

Here is how to understand their differences and choose the right supplies for your care and response needs.

What are disposable medical gloves used for?

Medical gloves are personal protective equipment (PPE) used to reduce certain contact risks.

Depending on their characteristics, they can help protect hands against bodily fluids and certain contaminants.

They also help limit the transfer of contaminants between hands, equipment and the people receiving care.

A barrier during care

Gloves are used in particular when a task involves a risk of contact with blood, certain bodily fluids, mucous membranes or contaminated surfaces.

They must be chosen based on the procedure and the applicable infection prevention protocols.

Protection suited to first aid

In a first aid kit, disposable gloves are especially useful when a first aider has to help an injured person.

They can be worn before certain types of care involving a wound or bleeding.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety reminds us, however, that no glove material protects against every hazard.

Gloves don't replace hand hygiene

Wearing gloves doesn't remove the need to wash or sanitize your hands when necessary.

Hand hygiene should be performed before and after care, in line with the applicable recommendations and protocols.

Disposable gloves must be changed between patients and whenever the conditions of use require it.

Nitrile, vinyl or latex: what's the difference?

All three materials are used to make gloves, but they don't have the same properties.

Criterion — Nitrile — Vinyl — Natural latex

• Material — Nitrile: Synthetic rubber; Vinyl: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); Natural latex: Natural rubber
• Contains natural latex — Nitrile: No; Vinyl: No; Natural latex: Yes
• Fit — Nitrile: Generally flexible and close to the hand; Vinyl: Generally looser; Natural latex: Generally very elastic
• Dexterity — Nitrile: Good depending on model and thickness; Vinyl: Variable; Natural latex: Good depending on model
• Tear resistance — Nitrile: Variable, often better than vinyl; Vinyl: Generally more limited; Natural latex: Variable depending on product
• Latex allergy risk — Nitrile: Avoids exposure to natural latex; Vinyl: Avoids exposure to natural latex; Natural latex: Present
• Use — Nitrile: Care, first aid and compatible tasks; Vinyl: Certain low-risk tasks; Natural latex: Compatible care when latex is appropriate

Actual performance depends on manufacturing quality, thickness and the testing carried out.

Always review the product's specifications before selecting it.

Nitrile gloves: a versatile latex-free solution

Nitrile gloves are widely used in medical and professional settings.

Their synthetic material avoids exposure to natural rubber latex.

They generally offer good flexibility and good strength for a range of tasks.

Why choose nitrile?

Nitrile can be a good option for people or facilities that want to limit the risks associated with natural latex allergies.

It can also suit a range of tasks that require good dexterity.

Its strength does vary from product to product, however.

A thin nitrile glove doesn't necessarily offer the same protection as a thicker model or one designed for a specialized application.

Aurelia Protégé 4 mil nitrile gloves

Cardio Choc offers Aurelia Protégé blue nitrile gloves, with a stated thickness of 4 mil, or about 0.10 mm.

They are sold in boxes of 100.

Their features include:

• Nitrile material with no natural latex.
• Blue colour.
• 4 mil thickness.
• Ambidextrous design.
• Single use.
• Powder-free.
• Sizes extra small, small, medium, large and extra large.

This model can be considered for certain first aid responses and professional tasks that are compatible with its specifications.

Discover Aurelia Protégé blue nitrile gloves – 100 count.

What does a 4 mil thickness mean?

Thickness is one of the characteristics often used to compare disposable gloves.

One mil is one thousandth of an inch.

So a 4 mil thickness is about 0.10 mm.

Does thicker always mean more protective?

Not necessarily.

Thickness affects certain mechanical properties, but it isn't enough on its own to determine how effective a glove is.

You also need to consider:

• The material.
• The manufacturing quality.
• Strength testing.
• The characteristics of the task.
• The chemical or biological agent involved.
• The duration of exposure.
• The dexterity required.

A thicker glove can offer more resistance in some circumstances, while being less comfortable for delicate movements.

The best choice therefore depends on how the glove will actually be used.

Vinyl gloves: what are they used for?

Vinyl gloves are made from a synthetic material different from nitrile.

They don't contain natural latex.

They can be considered for certain tasks where exposure risks are lower and where their characteristics match the work to be done.

The advantage of vinyl

Vinyl gloves can be an economical solution for certain occasional uses.

They are generally easy to put on and can be a good fit when the task doesn't call for the same mechanical performance as a more demanding procedure.

The limitations

Vinyl generally has different elasticity and mechanical strength than nitrile.

It can therefore be less suitable for certain procedures that require a good fit on the hand or prolonged protection.

Selection should be based on risk.

Aurelia Delight vinyl gloves

Cardio Choc offers Aurelia Delight vinyl gloves, sold in boxes of 100.

This product can be considered for tasks that are compatible with its technical specifications.

Check the sizes, the indications for use and the manufacturer's information before ordering.

Discover Aurelia Delight vinyl gloves – Box of 100.

Sterile or non-sterile gloves: how do you choose?

Sterility is an important distinction.

A non-sterile glove can suit many routine tasks when procedures don't require a sterile field.

A sterile glove is intended for procedures where that condition is required.

Non-sterile gloves

Non-sterile exam gloves are used in particular for certain assessments, handling tasks or first aid responses.

They must be selected based on the risks present.

The fact that they are non-sterile doesn't mean they are poor quality: they simply serve a different purpose.

Sterile gloves

Sterile gloves are packaged and treated to meet the stated sterility requirements.

They must be used following the appropriate procedures so they stay sterile until the moment of care.

Their packaging must remain intact before use.

NitriDerm sterile gloves

Cardio Choc offers NitriDerm sterile nitrile gloves, packaged in boxes of 50 pairs.

Their product sheet lists in particular:

• Nitrile material with no natural latex.
• Sterile design.
• Textured over the entire surface.
• Thickness of about 4.5 mil.
• Length of about 24 cm.
• Cuff with a beaded edge.
• Sizes small, medium, large and extra large.

The manufacturer also presents this product as tested for certain exposures to chemotherapy agents.

This feature must, however, be interpreted according to the specific substances, concentrations and testing limits.

Discover NitriDerm sterile nitrile gloves – 50 pairs.

Gloves tested for chemotherapy agents: what you need to know

Certain specialized procedures can expose professionals to hazardous drugs.

Gloves intended for these tasks must have specific characteristics.

A claim that requires clarification

A product advertised as tested for chemotherapy agents isn't automatically resistant to all drugs.

Resistance can vary depending on the substance, its concentration, the length of contact and the conditions of use.

You must therefore consult the manufacturer's test documentation and your facility's protocols.

Safety goes beyond the choice of gloves

Handling hazardous drugs may also require a gown, additional protection and specific procedures.

A specialized glove does not replace these measures.

How do you choose the right glove size?

Size directly affects comfort and ease of use.

Gloves that are too small can create excessive tension, while gloves that are too large can reduce precision.

Recognizing a good fit

A properly fitted glove should:

• Cover the hands without excessive tension.
• Allow the fingers to move.
• Not create significant wrinkles.
• Stay in place during use.
• Allow the movements needed for the task.

Sizes offered at Cardio Choc

Aurelia Protégé blue nitrile gloves are offered in sizes from extra small to extra large.

NitriDerm sterile gloves are offered in sizes from small to extra large.

Available sizes may vary by product and variant.

It is best to consult the manufacturer's chart rather than assume that a medium will be the same between two brands.

Which gloves should you choose for each type of procedure?

The choice should depend on the risk, the material and the requirements of the task.

Situation — Gloves to consider — Precaution

• Routine first aid — Gloves to consider: Latex-free exam gloves; Precaution: Check for medical grade and the protocol
• Non-sterile clinical exam — Gloves to consider: Appropriate exam gloves; Precaution: Change gloves between patients
• Procedure requiring sterility — Gloves to consider: Suitable sterile gloves; Precaution: Maintain aseptic technique
• Low-risk tasks — Gloves to consider: Vinyl or nitrile depending on indications; Precaution: Check the resistance required
• Handling certain hazardous drugs — Gloves to consider: Specially tested gloves; Precaution: Check the substances and the tests
• Handling disinfectants — Gloves to consider: Gloves compatible with the chemical; Precaution: Consult the safety data sheet

A disposable medical glove should not be used as a substitute for a specialized glove for demanding mechanical, thermal or chemical risks.

Do medical gloves protect against chemicals?

It depends on the chemical and on the glove.

Nitrile can offer good resistance against certain substances, but it is not universal protection.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety specifies that permeation, material degradation and contact time must be considered.

Consult the safety data sheet

When a chemical is used at work, its safety data sheet can provide guidance on suitable materials.

You should also consult the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance charts.

Don't rely only on the word "nitrile"

Two nitrile gloves can perform differently.

Their thickness, construction and certifications affect what they can be used for.

A medical exam glove isn't necessarily suited to prolonged handling of solvents or other hazardous substances.

How do you put on and remove medical gloves?

Proper use helps limit contamination risks.

Before wearing the gloves

Choose the right size and check that the gloves are intact.

Hands must be prepared according to the applicable hygiene procedures.

During care

Gloves must be replaced when they are damaged or when the protocol requires a change.

Avoid touching clean surfaces with gloves that have been contaminated.

After care

Removal must be done in a way that limits contact with the potentially soiled outer surfaces.

Disposable gloves must then be discarded through the appropriate waste stream.

Hand hygiene is still necessary after removing them.

Can disposable medical gloves be reused?

Gloves intended for single use are not designed to be washed and reused.

Their protection can be compromised during use, removal or cleaning.

They must be replaced in line with the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable protocols.

You should also never use gloves whose packaging is damaged when sterility is required.

How many gloves should you include in a first aid kit?

Needs depend on the type of kit and how it is used.

In workplaces, the CSA Z1220 standard calls for disposable exam gloves in quantities based on the type and size of the kit.

You must follow the applicable quantities rather than use the same number for every organization.

Plan for reserves

When gloves are used during a response, they must be replaced in the kit.

A reserve can make restocking easier.

Consider sizes

A kit intended for several first aiders should allow a proper fit for the intended users.

You need to decide how to organize the available sizes without compromising the required quantities.

Discover Cardio Choc first aid kits.

How should you store medical gloves?

Gloves must be stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or certain humidity conditions can degrade the materials.

Check the packaging

Boxes must be protected from damage and contamination.

For sterile gloves, the integrity of the individual packaging is especially important.

Monitor expiry dates

Some medical gloves have an expiry date or specific storage conditions.

It is important to check this information and plan stock rotation.

Plan the right quantities

A clinic or organization that uses gloves every day can track its consumption by size.

This makes ordering easier and reduces the risk of running out of the most-used sizes.

Buy disposable medical gloves from Cardio Choc

The choice of medical gloves depends on the task, the contact risks, the need for sterility and the fit.

At Cardio Choc, we offer Aurelia Protégé blue nitrile gloves, NitriDerm sterile gloves and Aurelia Delight vinyl gloves.

These products meet a range of needs in care and first aid settings.

To see the formats and sizes, discover our Disposable medical gloves collection.

To complete your facility's protective equipment, also explore our selection of medical and emergency supplies.

Need to order gloves for a clinic, a team of first aiders or several facilities? Contact Cardio Choc and tell us the material, sizes, quantities and conditions of use you need.

What is the difference between nitrile and vinyl gloves?

Nitrile is a synthetic material that is generally flexible and strong, while vinyl is a material often used for certain low-risk tasks. Their suitability depends on the procedure and the product's characteristics.

Do nitrile gloves contain latex?

Nitrile gloves don't contain natural rubber latex. They are therefore an alternative for people who need to avoid that material.

Can latex-free gloves cause allergies?

Yes, some people can react to chemical additives or other components of the gloves, even when they don't contain natural latex.

What is the difference between sterile and non-sterile gloves?

Sterile gloves are packaged for procedures that require sterility. Non-sterile gloves are suitable for other care and exams, depending on the applicable procedures.

What does a 4 mil thickness correspond to?

Four mil is about 0.10 mm. Thickness affects certain characteristics of the glove, but it doesn't guarantee universal protection.

Are vinyl gloves suitable for first aid?

They can be suitable for certain tasks when their characteristics match the risks. For procedures involving possible contact with bodily fluids, you should select appropriate medical-grade exam gloves.

What size of medical gloves should you choose?

The size should allow a good fit without excessive tension or significant wrinkles. Consult the manufacturer's size chart.

Can you reuse disposable gloves?

No, single-use gloves must be discarded after their intended use. They are not designed to be cleaned and reused.

Are nitrile gloves resistant to disinfectants?

Resistance depends on the chemical, its concentration and the glove model. Check the safety data sheet and the manufacturer's information.

What does "chemotherapy-tested gloves" mean?

It means the product has undergone certain resistance tests against specific agents. Check the substances tested and the performance limits.

Do gloves replace hand washing?

No. Hand hygiene is still essential before and after care, according to the applicable procedures.

How many gloves are in a box of NitriDerm?

Cardio Choc's NitriDerm sterile product is sold as a box of 50 pairs, or 100 gloves in total.