nitrile gloves

Home > Blog

Tag: nitrile gloves

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.

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.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Importance of Chemotherapy Testing for Nitrile Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

Chemotherapy Testing for Nitrile Gloves

In today’s current environment of infections and pathogens we are more increasingly concerned about Chemotherapy Testing for Nitrile Gloves. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization confirms that cancer rates are increasing around the world due to people living longer. Most cases of cancer happen to people who are older. Also, researchers believe that smoking tobacco and unhealthy eating habits are likely to result in more lung and gastrointestinal cancers throughout the world. This means that more people will need cancer treatment.

Why Is It Important to Test the Effectiveness of Nitrile Gloves Against Chemotherapy Drugs?

Universal precautions requiring the use of disposable gloves have been in place for years. These precautions were established to prevent death from HIV contamination during the ‘80s and ‘90s as well as from other dangerous chemicals. Until the 1990s, disposable gloves were manufactured mainly from rubber. Unfortunately, in 1996, Karen Wetterhahn, who was a scientist, died from mercury poisoning after the chemical seeped through her gloves during an experiment.

After news of Wetterhahn’s death traveled through the science community, researchers recommended the use of plastic-laminated gloves instead. Advancements in technology brought about latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves. Many health providers choose gloves made from nitrile because the material is highly resistant against chemicals. This makes them best for medical facilities that use chemotherapy drugs. To keep healthcare staff safe, it’s important to test the effectiveness of gloves made from nitrile against chemotherapy drugs.

It’s important for healthcare workers to know whether the gloves that they’re using will protect them against all types of chemotherapy drugs. To check, review the chemical infiltration label listed on the package. Make sure that your gloves feature the most recent standard provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials or ASTM. The current code is D6978-05.

What You Need to Know About Fentanyl Citrate

Fentanyl is an artificial opioid used by cancer patients to manage their pain. It comes in tablet or patch form. The drug, Fentanyl Citrate is 50 times stronger than heroin and an estimated 100 times more powerful than morphine. In fact, just 2mg of the opioid is strong enough to cause death, which is why it’s important to use disposable gloves that will protect you from this powerful drug when working with cancer patients.

Recommendations for Proper Glove Use

Experts recommend wearing two pairs of gloves that have been tested against chemotherapy drugs anytime you’re participating in activities involving hazardous drugs. You should also change your gloves every 30 minutes or right away if the gloves become damaged or if you know that they’ve been contaminated. This is why medical facilities need so many boxes of gloves.

Wear disposable gloves that are free of powder and made from nitrile, latex or neoprene. Also, make sure that the cuff of the glove is long enough to cover your gown sleeves. Glove thickness depends on the material of the gloves. If you’re doing chemotherapy preparation, then make sure that your exterior glove is a sterile one.

You should wear two sets of gloves when disposing of hazardous drugs, cleaning up spills and for routine cleaning.

How Does Glove Testing Offer Protection?

Chemotherapy drug testing offers protection because you’ll know what chemicals your gloves will protect you from. When testing is complete, the third-party testing company will print chemotherapy drug information on the glove packaging including which drugs the gloves were tested against. The label will also show you what level of protection the gloves provide. To make it easy to determine what your gloves provide protection against, companies may add pictograms to the glove boxes.

If you didn’t have access to this detailed information, then you might accidentally choose a set of gloves that are not designed to protect you from the drugs that you’re giving to patients.

Glove Testing Requirements

The European Council Directive provides legal coverage for medical gloves. Along with this, the European Standard outlines exact requirements when it comes to labeling, glove shelf life and disclosure information. Quality testing methods are developed to check the physical properties of these kinds of gloves. This includes their strength levels and dimensions.

Testing involves checking for macroscopic material flaws. There is also a standard to test gloves against chemicals and microorganisms. Gloves that receive certification based on each standard offer a higher level of protection for the wearer.

Standard test methods to determine the protective properties of gloves include checking glove permeation as well as penetration levels. Penetration indicates whether a chemical can make its way through pores or macroscopic holes while permeation determines if chemicals can move through the glove. Testing must be done over a certain amount of time.

Maintaining Safety Standards

Third-party testing labs check nitrile exam gloves against drugs to confirm that they are safe for both patients and medical professionals. Gloves made from nitrile are in short supply but SPH Medical is delivering continuous supply to hospitals and provides the highest quality nitrile exam gloves with chemotherapy drug and fentanyl citrate testing.

Sources:

  1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.29058
  2. https://www.ons.org/sites/default/files/PPE%20Use%20With%20Hazardous%20Drugs.pdf
  3. https://www.soscleanroom.com/blog/the-history-of-disposable-gloves/
  4. https://lowderma.com/pdf/Fentanyl-2019.pdf
  5. https://es.halyardhealth.com/media/1409/kchc-evaluating-chemotherapy-protection-new-version.pdf
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
Add to cart