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SPH Medical Delivers Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks
CategoriesPatient Handling

Essential supply of Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

NIOSH certified N95 Masks, and Nitrile Exam Grade gloves are personal protection equipment (PPE) to provide safety for medical staff and people in a variety of different settings. N95 masks are designed to preventing particles and in some cases liquids from coming into contact with your mouth and respiratory system. Nitrile Exam Gloves are an essential layer of protection to prevent hands from coming in contact with fluids, drugs and other pathogens, even protection from needles. When it comes to preventing the spread of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses, it is necessary to use interventions from all levels of control. Since COVID-19, the trend for personal protection equipment has spiked. In this article, we will discuss face mask options, growing trends and what the future look like for PPE.

A Protective Face Mask

Typical face masks are products worn on the face to cover the mouth and nose. The primary purpose of a face mask is to provide some level of filtration to prevent breathing in small particles of dust or as in the case of the recent pandemic airborne pathogens.  At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic cloth face coverings exploded as everyone scrambled for some level of personal protection. However we eventually learned that the generic cloth masks really offered very little protection as a filtration device. Cloth face masks, do not replace N95 respirators or other Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) that have been tested to define their actual filtration level.

Surgical Masks

A surgical mask is a disposable, loose-fitting device worn to protect the wearer’s mouth and nose and certainly their lungs from external contaminants. To clarify the surgical mask described here is the 3ply or 4ply typically blue but sometimes green mask worn by healthcare workers during patient care.  Traditionally a surgical mask in the hospital would have a 4 tie configuration or ear loops. This type of disposable filtration device is typically tested at 95% – 98% filtration levels but is not the same as an N95 respirator. It does provide filtration but does not have the same seal around the nose and mouth, nor does it typically have the dual head bands that are required by NIOSH to qualify as an N95.

There are different types of surgical masks, some have a documented level of fluid resistance that can be critical in a surgical environment. The purpose of surgical masks is to block large particles from reaching the mouth. Sprays, droplets, splashes, and splatters may contain germs, such as bacteria and viruses. Masks may also reduce the exposure of respiratory secretions and saliva to others. Even though a surgical mask does block certain contaminants, it does not block or filter very small particles.  And due to the loose fit between the mask’s surface and your face, surgical masks do not offer complete protection against germs and other contaminants. Today you will often see healthcare providers wearing both an N95 respirator and a surgical mask over it. This way the surgical mask can protect the N95 mask from exposure and the surgical mask can be thrown away. In a healthcare environment is not recommended to use a surgical mask more than once. The mask should should be removed after potential exposure or damage, thrown away, and replaced with a new one. After disposing the mask properly always wash your hands.

N95 Respirators

N95 respirators are protection devices designed to fit snugly around the face and to filter airborne particles effectively. The respirator form seals around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are part of the N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), also called N95s. The N95 respirator is commonly used in construction and other industrial settings where dust and small particles are present. Several regulations regulate their use: -National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) -CDC However, there is a growing trend since COVID-19 that has increased its use in the Healthcare field. Particularly, respiratory protective devices that are single-use, disposable, and worn by healthcare personnel during procedures. As a result, both the patient and the healthcare personnel are protected from body fluids microorganisms and particulate material.

Nitrile Exam Gloves

The Nitrile Examination Grade gloves play a vital role in every hospital’s safety program and are worn by many hospital employees. The gloves are a type of personal protective equipment that protects against contact with blood, urine, stool, needles, viruses, bacteria, and other serious health risks.  In addition to Nitrile Gloves there are a variety of other materials available that may be considered viable alternatives for hospitals but none typically offer the same level of fit and protection that Nitrile gloves offer.  Exam gloves and come in a wide range of sizes and styles including a variety of colors and thicknesses.  One of the critical considerations for hospitals is the testing against Chemotherapy Drugs.  Every box of gloves should be labeled with the Chemo drugs that they have been tested against and the resistance time.  This important information informs the nurse, doctor, or technician about the level of protection they will have when handling these dangerous drugs.  Another important consideration is testing against Fentanyl Citrate now one of the most dangerous opioids that can be absorbed through the skin quickly and cause an overdose.  To avoid confusion among staff about which glove to choose, hospitals prefer to standardize on a single glove that meets the specifications of the SPH Medical Safeko Nitrile Exam Gloves, Gen-X Nitrile Exam Glove, both1 with Chemo Drug testing.

Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks FAQ

Where can I purchase a Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Nitrile Exam Grade gloves? SPH Medical is a global distributor and trusted source for Makrite Industries. The company offers a variety of N95 mask options and Nitrile Exam Gloves online now at sphmedical.com. Makrite N95 respirators are not sold on Facebook or through online retailers like eBay, nor do we sell to individuals directly. The entire current production capacity is dedicated to industrial and healthcare customers. How do I know a NIOSH respirator is approved? To identify NIOSH-approved respirators, look for the NIOSH approval number shown on the mask and the packaging. A NIOSH logo will be found on the packaging. The fit testing instructions will also be found on the packaging. Ear loop style masks are not NIOSH approved. All N95 respirators that receive NIOSH approval have dual elastic headbands that enable the mask to achieve a proper fit without leakage. Who needs to wear a surgical N95 Respirator? A surgical N95 respirator is typically only used by healthcare professionals who need to protect themselves from fluids and any other airborne liquids. These respirators may be used outside of healthcare facilities but the standard N95 respirator offers the same level of filtration against dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses between 0.1 and 0.3 microns in size.

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Supply Update for N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves are vital materials for ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel, first responders, and the general public. We are seeing an increase in the use of these essential supplies here in the United States and abroad. What are the trends and availability for Nitrile Exam Gloves and NIOSH Certified N95 Masks in the future? Will there be adequate supply in the future? Or will we continue to see shortage, hoarding of supplies, and price spikes?

What are the trends here in the US?

The trend towards increased use of Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks is happening here in the US. This is likely due to the increasing awareness of the dangers of exposure to infectious diseases. And with the rise of incidents like the SarsCov2, the ever evolving new variants, and other pathogens it’s no wonder that in addition to our healthcare workers the general public are looking for ways to protect themselves.

But will this trend continue?

Experts believe that the awareness that Covid-19 has created about respiratory protection and surface disinfection has created a newSafety and Protection | SPH Medical trend towards personal protection. Prior to the pandemic, the NIOSH certified N95 Mask was always available and never in short supply. The global demand is currently being addressed and despite the supply chain traffic of container ships on our coastline, we are able to get these essential supplies to hospitals and those who need them. The prices have come back down to reasonable levels. When considering which N95 Mask to purchase it is always important that every individual is fit tested to ensure that they have a mask that fits properly without leakage. Hospitals have been doing fit testing for all their employees, thousands of them, and it is very time consuming. If there is a disruption in the supply chain and the hospital can’t access the specific types of masks that have been fitted to their employees they typically look for alternate sources to find these essential supplies. The NIOSH certified N95 mask has become one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for healthcare workers filtering out at least 95% of all particles, including those as small as 0.03 microns in size.

Nitrile Exam Gloves Protect Doctors and NursesNitrile Exam Gloves are the standard of care in hospitals and have been for decades. There are many manufacturers of FDA approved Nitrile Exam Grade gloves for hospitals but most of them are in South East Asia. Countries like Malaysia have access to the raw materials required to make Nitrile gloves and also have existing factories that produce tens of millions of gloves per month. Due to the high labor cost here in the us, high cost of setting up production facilities, and need to import the raw materials, we can expect to see global production of Nitrile Exam gloves remain offshore for some time.

N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves Testing

There are a number of different levels of tests that are performed on Exam Gloves to determine their resistance to breakage, leaks, puncture, and chemical resistance. Gloves often chosen for their strength, durability, and tactile sensitivity. Nitrile Exam Grade gloves also offer good protection against a variety of chemicals, including Chemotherapy Drugs and Fentanyl Citrate, when tested appropriately. The box for any product tested against Chemo Drugs should list the drugs that have been tested and the resistance time.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Mask are created equal. Make sure to do your research before purchasing these items to find the ones that are right for you.

Makrite N95 Masks are a great choice to protect you from hazardous particles. With an efficiency of 95% or more against non-oil based particles, the Makrite catalog of NIOSH Certified masks provides a wide variety of shapes and styles to fit any facial morphology.

These are essential items for frontline caregivers and first responders everywhere. SPH Medical is a trusted source and a global distributor for Makrite Industries and a direct importer with a documented chain of custody for all masks direct from the factory.

The future of N95 mask technology is evolving with direct customer feedback channeled to the Research and Development team at Makrite. New mask styles for comfort, fit, and performance are in development and final approval stages. We can expect to see several new mask styles released this year added to an already impressive catalog of disposable respirators that serve the entire globe.

Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks are two essential supplies that are now more essential than ever as the market for these products has expended to literally everyone in the world.

The Future of N95 MasksSPH Medical Delivers Surgical N95 Respirators

  • The new designs will offer a variety of fit options
  • They are also more comfortable to wear for long periods of time
  • There are more surgical N95 mask options that offer documented fluid resistance

The future of N95 Mask technology and performance is being redefined by Makrite and SPH Medical.

SPH Medical has over 10 years of experience in supplying healthcare safety products, and is are committed to meeting the needs of our customers. As a strategic sourcing supplier for health systems across all 50 states, hospitals contact SPH Medical when they need essential supplies urgently or on a consistent monthly basis.

SPH Medical provides reliable and secure access to the latest products and technology available to protect our caregivers.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Ongoing Need for Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

During the pandemic, hospitals and medical professionals couldn’t access enough supplies to properly care for the huge flood of patients. Protective gear like N95 masks and nitrile exam gloves were in short supply, putting doctors, nurses and sick patients at higher risk. These essential supplies are still needed in greater quantities today with hospitals struggling to find enough to keep their staff safe as the pandemic continues.

N95 Masks

N95 masks are still needed in great quantities as prices skyrocket and hospitals struggle to procure enough. N95 respirators are used in a variety of settings from industrial jobs where workers are exposed to dust and air particulates to hospitals where disease and infections can be airborne. N95 masks are intended to be single-use respiratory protective devices to protect both the patient and the medical professional from transferring any particulates, fluids or organisms.N95 Masks for Hospitals Cities and Schools

N95 masks became essential during the pandemic as medical staff wore them to try to avoid the spread of coronavirus. As the pandemic raged, hospitals needed more and more, with some having to resort to repeatedly using their masks or even trash bags to stay safe as available protective gear dwindled. Today, the costs of N95 masks is still higher than it was before the pandemic, unlike other PPE. While the need for N95 has lessened since the middle of the pandemic, there is still a 1,300% increased use rate by medical providers due to the delta variant.

Conventional medical masks are known to have limited capabilities against the coronavirus, with N95 masks being capable of filtering up to 95% of particulates and materials. N95 market growth is expected to continue to rise as strict regulations are being passed for occupational safety in industrial positions as well as for a number of surgeries. There is a greater current need for cataract surgery and orthopedic surgery for which N95 masks are essential to avoid infection.

Tens of millions of surgeries are completed every year globally with about half being minimally invasive. Along with increased surgery rates, there is a driving need to avoid hospital-acquired infections, which continue to be a major concern. There are many aspects of the medical process that increase the chance of acquiring an infection, lowering the chance of a positive outcome and increasing comorbidities. N95 masks are essential in today’s medical environments to ensure all medical staff and patients have the best chance at both becoming and staying healthy.

Nitrile Exam Gloves

Another important personal protection item is nitrile exam gloves. These gloves are stronger than latex and are commonly used in examinations so they’re available in sterile and non-sterile forms. They provide greater chemical exposure protection and high personal barrier protection. Nitrile gloves were in high demand during the pandemic with national stockpiles in several countries depleting as it raged on.

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021

The United States is still on its way to restoring stockpiles and recently signed a production deal that will increase nitrile glove production by billions within the country. There are a number of benefits of using this type of glove in healthcare settings, which is driving the increasing market and need.

Nitrile is a commonly preferred type of material in both medical and industrial settings around the world. Latex-free and with up to three times the puncture resistance of standard latex gloves, these gloves provide maximum protection against a variety of potential infection situations. Infection control and increasing latex allergies are driving factors in the popularity of this type of glove. There is an increased awareness occurring in healthcare settings concerning infection and pandemic diseases like coronavirus and even swine flu.

Medical professionals and facilities want to provide their staff and patients with the best protective gear on the market. As the need for nitrile exam gloves rises to avoid spreading infection and disease, facilities and organizations struggle to procure enough to keep their organization safe. As government agencies struggle to make deals to increase their stockpiles, facilities, first responders and healthcare organizations are also struggling to ensure they can keep up with the delta variant and the increased occurrence of infectious patients still happening around the world today. While the high of the pandemic has passed for now, there are still high rates of coronavirus and other diseases that need to be handled professionally and safely.

Protective Gear; Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

Hospitals and other institutional healthcare facilities are still struggling to obtain enough protective gear like N95 masks and nitrile gloves. SPH Medical is a trusted supplier authorized to securely distribute these essential supplies to hospitals that desperately need them. Staying safe, protected and sterile during examinations and surgeries is essential to creating a safe space where patients can achieve their best health outcomes. Having the proper protective gear is important in maintaining the safety of both staff and patients.

SPH Medical Chemo Tested Gloves Protect Nurses
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

When given to people, cancer related chemotherapeutic medications can cause mutagenesis, teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, and sterility. The danger varies depending on the substance and its concentration, as well as exposure frequency and duration. As a result, concerns have been raised about the possible dangers to those who work with chemotherapy. Additionally, public health threats coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and revolutions in the medical industry have expanded the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). According to studies, taking precautions when handling chemotherapy or any other public health threat lowers staff exposure and danger. As new PPE rules for handling chemotherapy drugs are introduced, a chemotherapy glove that adequately protects healthcare practitioners while also making double-gloving compliance simple is essential. COVID-19 protocols have heightened the essential need for the Chemo tested Nitrile exam gloves.

What Raw Material Is Used in Making Surgical Gloves Today?

Reusable surgical gloves were once the most popular in the medical field. Handwashing is equated to the efficiency of reusable gloves in reducing pathogen spread. In the 1800s, surgeons’ hygienic standards were of poor quality. The use of harsh chemicals to disinfect medical instruments, on the other hand, produced a demand for a tough raw material in the surgical glove sector. Rubber sourced from Malaysia was chosen as the best material since it does not become abrasive when exposed to strong liquids. While demand was high at the time, it skyrocketed when the AIDS crisis struck. Rubber, however, could induce sensitivities and allergic reactions, necessitating the development of an alternative.

Nitrile is a replica of rubber used in the manufacture of medical gloves. Ketones, amides, aldehydes, and halogenoalkanes are used to make this synthetic substance. The Nitrile Exam Glove is made from acrylonitrile and butadiene compounds. When manufacturing gloves, flexibility, comfort, puncture resistance, and form-fitting must all be considered.

What Is Chemotherapy Drug Testing, and Why Is It Important?

The use of personal protective equipment, particularly protective medical gloves, is a must to avoid skin contact. Additionally, during their work, emergency responders are likely to touch with a variety of illegal narcotics. Cocaine, methamphetamines, cannabinoids, cathinones, and opioids like fentanyl and heroin are just some of the illicit chemicals found in these mixes. Illicit drug use has the potential to cause harm. Although they may not know the components of illicit drug mixes, emergency responders can learn about safe operating procedures and the right use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to situations involving illicit substances as recommended by the FDA.

The importance of selecting the right gloves cannot be overstated. It is critical to establish basic guidelines for selecting appropriate materials and defining quality requirements in the oncology environment for the best protection. These tips can help with better handling and minimize potential risks and long-term consequences. There are no formal regulations or test techniques in Europe for medical gloves used in oncology. It would be beneficial to establish universal criteria for gloves used when handling chemotherapeutic medications. However, in the United States, medical gloves used to handle chemotherapy medications must meet ASTM International (American Society of Testing and Materials) standard D 6978-05 criteria.

How Is the Demand for Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves?

Doomsday headlines predicted a shortage of ventilators for critically ill patients in the early months of the Covid-19 outbreak. As borders soon closed, states hurried to find masks and gowns, sparking a bidding war for personal protective equipment. Domestic manufacture eventually came to the rescue, producing everything from respirators to face shields. However, as the pandemic enters its second year, one item remains in low supply: medical gloves.

Hospitals favor nitrile gloves because of their hypoallergenic and chemical-resistant characteristics, but they are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to find at any price. The national stockpile in the United States reported in December that just 72 million gloves were on hand out of a target of 4.5 billion, forcing individual states to navigate a wild market riddled with shadowy intermediaries and black-market brokers, some of whom were obvious frauds. Prices have risen dramatically due to the increased demand: According to Singapore-based Persistence Market Research, a package of 100 nitrile gloves can now cost up to $32, up from roughly $3 pre-pandemic.

Despite the COVID-19 dilemma, the global market for Medical Gloves is expected to increase at a CAGR of 12.4 percent from 2020 to 2027, from a projected $30.9 billion in 2020 to a revised US$70 billion by 2027. Examination Gloves, one of the sectors examined in the Research and Markets, is expected to grow at an 11.2 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and reach US$42.3 billion by the conclusion of the analysis period. After an early assessment of the pandemic’s commercial effects and the resulting economic crisis, the Surgical Gloves segment’s growth is revised to a revised 14.4% CAGR for the next seven years.

Choosing a recognized supplier helps you avoid substandard gloves. SPH Medical specializes in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment. SPH Medical is delivering Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Glove and is a trusted supplier by hospitals nationwide.

Citations:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.29058
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-medical-gloves-market-report-2021-malaysia-is-the-dominant-producer—us-market-is-estimated-at-10-4-billion-while-china-is-forecast-to-grow-at-14-6-cagr-301334928.html

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Evaluating the Quality of Nitrile Exam Gloves for Hospitals

by sphmedicaladmin

Nitrile Exam Gloves for Hospitals

Most of the world was unprepared for a pandemic like COVID-19. The contagion caused many supply chain issues including a shortage of medical supplies like gloves, N95 masks and, isolation gowns. With the need for these supplies continuing, some scammers are attempting to profit by manufacturing fake or low quality gloves with fake packaging. It’s important for value analysis and purchasing departments to avoid buying them. Not only are they a financial loss, but they could also put hospital staff and patients at risk. Here’s how to evaluate the quality of nitrile exam gloves for hospitals.

What You Need to Know About FDA 510K Approval

The FDA requires some medical device manufacturers to register with them when they plan to advertise a medical device. Under section 510K, these companies must notify the FDA of their marketing agenda at least 90 days before they intend to implement it.

This alert is called Premarket Notification. The FDA requires this step to determine if the product is equal to a device that’s already in one of the government agency’s three classification sections. That way, the FDA can identify medical devices properly.

For medical examination gloves the FDA approves the glove with a product code to confirm the approval for the intended use.  LZA is the product code issued to Nitrile Examination gloves to confirm that the gloves are intended for medical purposes and are worn on the examiner’s hands or fingers to prevent contamination between patient and examiner.  Other important product approval codes are OPJ which is for Medical Gloves with Chemotherapy Labeling Claims, and QDO which is an approval for Fentanyl and other Opioid Protection Gloves.  The FDA includes in their 510K approval letter all of the associated testing that was submitted for review by the manufacturer to achieve the respective product code.

Look for ASTM D6319 TestingGlove manufacturers are required to provide testing that meets ASTM standards.  ASTM International is a nonprofit global standards organization that develops and distributes technical standards for a variety of products including medical equipment. Companies that produce their products according to ASTM D6319 standards are able to offer their customers the assurance that they are selling Examination grade gloves that are manufactured for medical use.

When gloves meet the ASTM D6319 standard, they are powder free, thicker than disposable gloves designed for other purposes and include a higher tensile strength level.

The ASTM testing standards for chemo tested nitrile exam gloves consists of checking the material’s strength and flexibility. The organization’s tests are designed to make sure that an examination glove is unlikely to tear or fail and provides the proper amount of stretch.

When a powder free examination glove box confirms that its contents have been ASTM tested, then the gloves have undergone an accelerated aging process that involves heat. This test is designed to assess how well the gloves will work toward the end of their shelf life, giving you peace of mind that they will continue to provide protection until they are expired.

Check for ASTM Chemotherapy Drug Testing Standards

Since chemotherapy agents are extremely toxic, it’s important for healthcare employees to handle them wearing examination gloves that have been tested for saturation using the ASTM’s more vigorous D6978 standard instead of the guidelines used for other chemicals.

The chemotherapy drug testing standards require companies to test the gloves for up to four hours. The permeation test measures the time that it takes certain chemicals to make their way through the material of the latex free glove. For a glove to be considered safe for chemotherapy drugs, the tests must take place at particular temperatures too.

Understand the Ins and Outs of Factory Standards

ASTM standards include AQL testing, or Acceptable Quality Level.  For example ASTM D6319-10 includes an AQL of 2.5%. Before buying gloves from any company, make sure that you know how they test their products. Check the label for Acceptance Quality Limit, or AQL, testing. The definition of AQL testing is a “quality level that is the worst tolerable.” It refers to the highest number of faulty products allowed in a batch before that batch is discarded. For instance, if a label states that the AQL is 1.5%, then this means that the glove batch cannot contain more than 1.5% faulty items in the order.  Of course ASTM standards are set at an AQL of 2.5%, but some factories have an AQL of 1.5% which means they have stricter quality control levels.

Factory Testing of Nitrile Exam Gloves

Since the development of COVID-19 has caused a shortage of the raw materials needed to make nitrile examination gloves, defrauders have appeared on the scene to take advantage of hospitals and steal their money. When you buy quality tested nitrile exam gloves, your facility will be stocked with powder free gloves that are also latex free. To avoid becoming victim to a scam, watch for suspicious activity like uncommon payment requirements, sudden price increases and unexpected bulk supplies.

Read the Information that is Printed on the Medical Glove Box

The label printed on the glove box is important. It should include a list of tests that the manufacturer performed to confirm the quality of the gloves and their safety. When you purchase examination gloves, make sure that the boxes are labeled with information like:

  • Patient examination glove or surgeon’s glove
  • Tested for permeation resistance to chemotherapy drugs according to ASTM D6978-05
  • What chemotherapy drugs the gloves have been tested against
  • Chemical resistance data

The label should also show you the number of chemotherapy drugs that the gloves were tested against and the amount of drugs used during testing.

Label information is important because it allows you to confirm that you have exam gloves that are manufactured to provide the proper protection for your healthcare staff.

Keep in mind that packaging is simple for manufacturers to produce, making it the easiest thing to fake. If you run into a scammer, the box may falsely state that tests and standards have taken place when they haven’t. To keep your hospital staff protected, request third-party testing documents from your supplier. That way, you can confirm that you’re purchasing quality nitrile exam gloves.

Keeping Hospitals Stocked with Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves

Currently, the cost for raw materials to manufacture medical gloves has shot up quickly due to a lack of supplies and more demand because of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, SPH Medical is working tirelessly to provide consistent glove supplies to its hospital clients.

Sources:

1. https://webstore.ansi.org/sdo/astm
2. https://hourglass-intl.com/glove-testing-demystified-tensile-strength-and-ultimate-elongation/
3. https://www.pppmag.com/article/1623/January_2015/Are_Gloves_and_Gowns_Safe_for_Handling_Chemotherapy/#:~:text=ASTM%20standard%20D6978%20is%20specific,care%20workers%20handle%20chemotherapy%20drugs.
4. https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-health-care-professionals-of-increased-potential-for-fraudulent-sales-of-covid-19-related-medical-equipment
5. FDA Product classification codes for Medical Gloves  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?start_search=1&Submission_Type_ID=&DeviceName=&ProductCode=&DeviceClass=1&ThirdParty=&Panel=&RegulationNumber=880.6250&Implant_Flag=&Life_Sustain_Support_Flag=&PAGENUM=500&sortcolumn=DeviceNameDESC

SPH Medical delivers Nitrile Exam Gloves
CategoriesInfection Prevention

The History of Nitrile Exam Gloves for Nursing Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

Nitrile Exam Gloves for Nursing Safety

Disposable gloves are the unsung heroes of healthcare products. They were developed because of a longtime need for the medical industry to implement cleaner standards and offer protection for those who provide healthcare services. Here’s the history and evolution of disposable gloves and how nitrile exam gloves became a necessity for the healthcare industry.

A Start with Johns Hopkins Hospital

Johns Hopkins Hospital opened in May 1889, and one of its founding members was Dr. William Stewart Halstead, a medical professional who is known for many important achievements in the medical community. For instance, he developed new surgical techniques for repairing hernias and removing gallstones. Dr. Halstead was also known for being a precise surgeon, one who believed in cleanliness. According to historical research, Halstead created the first surgical glove.

Dr. Halstead married a nurse named Caroline Hampton. She told him that she developed a rash after handling surgical chemicals. Dr. Halstead contacted the Goodyear Rubber Company, and they manufactured a set of rubber gloves for Caroline. She loved them so much that the couple requested more. Soon, Dr. Halstead’s surgical staff began wearing them when performing operations. At the time, his team used them because they increased their dexterity. They were not aware of how the gloves prevented the transfer of germs.

Before disposable gloves, patients who underwent surgery had a 50% mortality rate. Many of these deaths occurred because of germs being transferred from the doctor to the patient. Once the medical community made the connection, doctors began wearing disposable gloves more often. It didn’t take long for hospitals to make wearing them a requirement.

Material Advancements

Until the ‘90s, disposable gloves were typically manufactured from rubber. However, researchers found that rubber latex was unable to block some chemicals from connecting with the wearer’s skin. In 1996, Karen Wetterhahn, a researcher, died after mercury came into contact with her skin.

Later, it was determined that her gloves weren’t thick enough to protect her from the mercury. This incident encouraged researchers to recommend the use of plastic-laminated rubber gloves instead of latex during scientific experiments. Since then, the science and medical community has made material advancements.

Today, disposable gloves are made from materials like:

  • Latex
  • Nitrile
  • Vinyl
  • Neoprene
  • Polyethylene

Nitrile gloves are a popular choice because the material is highly resistant to chemicals. Manufacturers can develop it into a soft film, making them comfortable to wear. The material is exceptionally clean and free of accelerators. These features make nitrile gloves perfect for cleanrooms. Chemo tested nitrile exam gloves protect both the wearer and the patient.

History of Nitrile

Best Manufacturing, which is now Showa Best, developed the technology for nitrile gloves about 15 years ago. Once people discovered how useful the material was, Ansell brought out different glove products such as blue nitrile and purple nitrile gloves. Gloves made from nitrile are not a competing product against latex gloves. Instead, they are produced for people who are working with dangerous chemicals or have an allergy to latex.

Nitrile Exam Gloves Shortage

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a shortage of personal protection equipment, or PPE, like surgical gowns and gloves. Since nitrile gloves are hypoallergenic and capable of resisting chemicals, hospitals prefer them for their medical staff. At the moment, these gloves are tough to get and increasingly expensive.

According to reports, the national stockpile of them in the United States is just 72 million gloves compared to the target amount of 4.5 billion. The shortage is causing states to make their way through an intense medical equipment market filled with shady middlemen and black-market dealers. Fraud is occurring at a rapid pace and the cost of gloves is skyrocketing.

Estimates show that one box of gloves costs around $32. This is a massive increase from what medical facilities were paying before the pandemic arrived. The demand has minted a few more billionaires and centimillionaires.

Market analysts are confirming that the global demand for nitrile gloves has almost doubled in just a few months. In 2019, the demand was an estimated 300 billion while in August of 2020, the demand grew to almost 585 billion.

Glove manufacturers can only develop about 370 billion gloves each year. After determining the enhanced need for gloves, companies have been working to increase production. The production increase will allow companies to make around 50 billion more of them, but this still leaves the medical community short. Also, while the United States appears to be getting the virus under control, it is raging in countries like India.

Even after the pandemic subsides around the world, manufacturers believe that the demand for nitrile gloves will increase. The reason for this is that now people know about their protective properties.

Protective Equipment that the Healthcare Industry Needs

SPH Medical works with manufacturers to provide Nitrile Examination Gloves to hospitals and healthcare facilities around the world. We want to keep healthcare workers everywhere comfortable and safe.

Sources:

  1. https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/the-nurse-who-introduced-gloves-to-the-operating-room
  2. https://www.hsimagazine.com/article/the-development-of-nitrile-gloves-144/
  3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2021/02/11/billionaires-making-boatloads-of-money-from-once-cheap-medical-gloves/?sh=110d3cec661c
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