sider putting in an IV without having gloves on.
Cultures can change. Where latex is concerned, it's become such a
non-issue at our institution that it almost feels like a historical foot-
note. But the culture hasn't changed, or hasn't changed enough,
across the country. If we could do it then, there's nothing to prevent
anyone from doing it now.
I'd argue that the quality of non-latex gloves has improved over the
years to the point that it's equal or superior to that of latex gloves.
They have the same tactile quality and the same elasticity. We've had
no problem with non-latex gloves not fitting well. The gloves we use
now are made from either of 2 materials: nitrile and polyisoprene. My
preference is the latter. It's a superb material that provides the same
— if not better — tactile quality, strength and flexibility as latex
gloves. It does, however, cost a little more.
Those who double-glove for a time found that putting on the second
glove without powder (which is a problem in itself) was very difficult.
But now every manufacturer has moved to non-powder gloves, and
they've all figured out how to make it work for double–gloving. Many
of my colleagues double-glove, and they have no problem with non-
latex gloves.
Similarly, our ophthalmologic and other surgeons performing micro-
scopic surgeries face a challenge, since they need fine motor control
and good tactile sensation. But all of our ophthalmologic surgeons use
non-latex gloves and I've heard zero complaints.
Take time to learn
Will surgeons and others be completely comfortable the first time
they put on non-latex gloves? Probably not. There is a learning curve
for new gloves, because every glove is a little different. All muscles
have motor memory, and it takes a little time to get familiar with new
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