Medical Gloves: An Overview

The Difference Between Nitrile, Vinyl & Latex Gloves Explained

At Surgo Surgical Supply, we offer you a full variety of medical gloves for your clinic.  

It can be hard to differentiate which kind of glove material best suits your needs as a medical practitioner. Surgo Surgical Supply is here to help you get the information you need to make an informed decision on the best medical glove for your practice.

Here's what you need to know:

What are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile Gloves are made of a synthetic rubber that is durable and latex-free. These gloves are the most popular type of glove used today which is essentially due to the fact that they are functionally adaptable and have very low allergy rates. Nitrile gloves provide the fit and feel of a latex glove without the dangerous risk of allergies.

Nitrile Gloves are also great for chemical resistance, most quality Nitrile Gloves are chemotherapy-rated.

When Nitrile Gloves get punctured, they tear. This characteristic of this glove is important because it allows the user to know full well when there is a hole in their glove so that they aren't exposed to bodily or hazardous fluids.  Remember, although this is a convenient characteristic of Nitrile Gloves, it shouldn't be relied on and you should always check your gloves for punctures or tears before and during use.

Nitrile gloves are also available in an assortment of colours.  Pink, Black and Orange are popular colour choices beyond traditional blue and purple.

For more information on the nitrile medical gloves offered by Surgo and to place orders visit: www.surgo.com/nitrile-gloves

Wat are Medical Latex Gloves?

Latex Medical Gloves are the traditional choice of health care professionals.  Unfortunately, there is a strong correlation between prolonged latex exposure and severe allergies.

Latex gloves are made out of natural latex rubber. Latex gloves provide excellent protection and often a superior fit.   

Latex Gloves can be more comfortable and strong compared to Nitrile Gloves. 

With allergies to latex being of high concern for Canadian Health Care Providers, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Allergic reactions to latex can be as little as skin irritation or as severe as an anaphylactic attack.

Latex Gloves give a great physical barrier performance that is similar to Nitrile, but Latex does not provide any real protection against solvents. If chemical resistance is the focal point of using gloves, Nitrile Gloves would be better.

For more information on the latex medical gloves offered by Surgo and to place orders visit: www.surgo.com/latex-gloves

What are Vinyl Gloves:

Vinyl Gloves are a popular type of glove but are not suitable for all environments. Vinyl gloves are latex-free and generally used for non-hazardous material handling.  While all the Vinyl gloves offered by Surgo are approved & licensed by Health Canada they offer minimal protection when compared to latex or nitrile gloves. 

Vinyl gloves have a baggy fit and do not offer the same feel or tactile sensitivity as Nitrile and Latex gloves.

The Vinyl Glove has little to no allergic reaction history.  Vinyl gloves traditionally have been the most economical medical gloves available.

What are Synthetic Stretch Vinyl Gloves? Latex Free: 

Synthetic Gloves are made from high-quality stretch vinyl to offer a comparable fit to latex gloves. Synthetic gloves are 100% latex-free and are ideal for those who are prone to allergic reactions when using disposable gloves.

For more information on the synthetic vinyl medical gloves offered by Surgo and to place orders visit:  www.surgo.com/vinyl-gloves-latex-free