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- Surgical & Examination Gloves
When it comes to selecting the right glove for the job at hand, there are many factors that come into play, including comfort, grip, puncture resistance and more. That’s why we offer a wide selection of surgical and exam gloves, in options your team — and patients — can trust. Browse our assortment of vinyl, chloroprene, nitrile and latex gloves today, from leading manufacturers such as Ansell and Halyard, along with our dedicated Henry Schein Brand® product portfolio.
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Which Types of Disposable Gloves are Right for Me?
Disposable gloves are an essential component of infection control, providing a layer of defense against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. But do you know which glove material is best for you and your team? Below, we’ve outlined the four major types of surgical and exam gloves available on the market today — including key benefits and features — to help guide your decision:
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Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile exam gloves are made of synthetic rubber, offering a suitable alternative for those with latex allergies or sensitivities — or for those looking to prevent any future reactions. Nitrile gloves are known for their durability, long shelf life and excellent chemical and puncture resistance. However, unlike latex gloves, they tend to offer a bit less stretch and flexibility.
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Chloroprene Gloves
Chloroprene gloves, also known as neoprene gloves, are a type of synthetic rubber that cater to those with latex allergies. They offer excellent protection against a variety of chemicals — on a slightly larger scale than nitrile gloves — with a natural fit and feel that allows for easy maneuverability in a range of health care settings.
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Latex Gloves
Latex gloves are made of natural rubber latex and are a popular choice among health care practitioners, offering several advantages, including a comfortable fit, an enhanced grip and a high level of protection against viruses and other germs. However, latex gloves can cause irritation or adverse reactions for those with latex allergies or sensitivities, so that’s an important factor to keep in mind.
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Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are soft and malleable, offering a cost-effective, latex-free option that deliver good barrier protection and comfort. They are less durable than their latex and nitrile counterparts — due to their lower chemical and puncture resistance — which make them better-suited for short-term use in low-risk settings.
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What are the Differences Between Surgical & Examination Gloves?
Surgical and examination gloves are two types of disposable gloves that are commonly used in health care settings. Although their appearance may look the same, there are several key differences between the two:
- Purpose: Surgical gloves are designed for use in sterile surgical environments to ensure a high level of protection against infections. Exam gloves, on the other hand, are designed for non-sterile medical procedures and more generalized use.
- Testing Protocols: Surgical gloves must uphold higher manufacturing standards than examination gloves to ensure strict compliance with sterility and quality. This means they typically undergo more rigorous testing protocols than exam gloves.
- Material Thickness: Surgical gloves are designed to be better equipped at handling punctures and tears, making them generally thicker and less flexible than examination gloves.
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Ansell
Ansell is a global company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical and dental settings, including surgical gloves, exam gloves, specialty gloves and more.
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Shop exceptional-quality glove products at an affordable price with Henry Schein Brand, including our exclusive CRITERION™ gloves line-up.
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How Should Surgical & Examination Gloves Fit?
Ergonomics plays an important role when it comes to determining the proper fit for you and your team. Disposable gloves that are too tight, for instance, can cause discomfort and restrict hand movement, leading to hand fatigue and the risk of developing hand injuries. On the other hand, gloves that are too loose can also lead to discomfort, making it difficult to handle small objects or perform tasks that require a high level of dexterity. Look for surgical and exam gloves that fit snugly and allow for natural movement. Additionally, some gloves are designed with textured fingertips and other ergonomic features that help improve grip in both wet and dry applications.
Educational Resources on Gloves
Up Your Hygiene Game: 3 Reasons Why Hygienists Need Utility Gloves
Michelle Strange, RDH, discusses three important benefits of utility gloves — and why hygienists should incorporate them into their infection control routine.
Choosing the Perfect Exam Gloves: 7 Essential Tips for Hygienists
Michelle Strange, RDH, explores seven essential tips for choosing the right exam gloves for your team — from size considerations and material choices to grip enhancement and more.
3 Do’s & Don’ts: Gloves in the Dental Setting
Michelle Strange, RDH, shares three doâs and three donâts to keep in mind when it comes to gloves in the dental setting.
The Ultimate Checklist: Operatory Turnover
Michelle Strange, RDH, shares three tips to make your operatory turnover safer and faster, including the use of barrier protection and wearing properly-sized utility gloves.
