Non-latex gloves can also be made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber
made by the polymerization of chloroprene; and polyisoprene, a man-
made material that has a molecular structure similar to natural rubber
latex.
• Tactile sensation. Today's non-latex gloves are thinner and better
in terms of feel — probably the most important factor to your sur-
geons.
"That tactile sensation has got to be right. You don't want the sur-
geons to feel like they're wearing those Playtex gloves you use to
clean dishes," says Dr. Brown.
If you're transitioning to a non-latex surgical glove for the first time,
keep in mind that your doctors' glove preference is a highly emotional
thing.
"I always laugh when I come in the room because there are prob-
ably 15 different types of gloves in our OR. But I like only one
kind," says Dr. Woodside. "You kind of feel picky, but if there's a
different glove on you, it just feels wrong."
Dr. Brown says the conversion will go a lot smoother if the new
glove feels similar — or at least not dramatically different — than
what your docs were using before.
"Let the surgeons get a comfort level with any new glove," he says.
"Their professional career depends on their hands and their eyes."
• Strength and fit. The non-latex gloves of 30 years ago were not
good quality. They'd tear, rip and break. The nitrile gloves in the past
10 to 15 years are durable.
"They really hold up the way a natural rubber latex glove holds up,"
says Dr. Brown. "Many surgeons double-glove, so you don't want a lot
of tension in the gloves. If the fit is not good and there is a lot of
stress on their hands, their hands get tired over time. It's got to be a
good fit, it's got to feel right in their hands."
Thinking of Buying …
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