Examination Gloves: Protection for Practitioners and Patients

Examination gloves are among the most important consumables in the medical field and play a decisive role in preventing the transmission of infections and cross-contamination. Examination gloves are usually used as disposable gloves and protect the practitioner and the patient by preventing direct skin-to-skin contact. In order to assess the quality of examination gloves, the gloves are checked by the manufacturers for leaks or small holes and tears and the result is indicated by the accepted quality level (AQL). A very high manufacturing quality of AQL 1.5 is specified as a medical standard.

Latex Gloves

Disposable latex gloves are particularly popular because they have a high degree of elasticity and tear resistance and thus offer the practitioner a high level of comfort and excellent protection. Most latex gloves also enable a very good tactile sensitivity. Manufacturers such as Euronda also offer latex gloves in various colours such as blue or purple.

Basically, latex gloves can be divided into pre-powdered and powder-free gloves. While the powdered latex glove is easier to put on when hands are damp or sweaty, it is possible that the powder may encourage allergies to latex proteins. To reduce the risk of latex allergies, latex gloves containing a soluble protein content of less than 30 µg/g are recommended. Teqler's powder-free latex glove, for example, is a disposable latex glove with beaded cuffs and a particularly low protein content of 10 µg/g. In general, latex examination gloves should only be used if the user or patient is not allergic to latex.

Nitrile Gloves

Examination gloves made of nitrile are similarly tear-resistant and stable as latex gloves. However, they differ in that they are less stretchy. The tactile and wearing sensation of nitrile examination gloves is also comparable to that of latex gloves. As nitrile gloves are latex-free, they are an ideal alternative to latex gloves if the wearer is allergic to latex. In addition, the gloves often have micro-roughened fingertips, making them very grippy. In our online shop you will find a large selection of high-quality nitrile gloves, such as nitrile examination gloves from Teqler in black which come in a handy dispenser box or the Unigloves Pearl nitrile gloves with textured fingertips in many other colours.

Medical Disposable Gloves Made of Vinyl, PE and Copolymers

Disposable gloves made of other materials, such as vinyl, PE or copolymer, are much less common than latex or nitrile gloves. Gloves made of these materials are usually transparent and have little to no elasticity. They are often used for short applications.

The raw material used for vinyl gloves is PVC, which, in combination with plasticiser, achieves a flexibility that ensures comfortable wear. Nevertheless, the elasticity is significantly lower than that of disposable medical gloves made of latex or nitrile. Vinyl gloves are mainly used for short applications without heavy mechanical stress.

PE gloves are made of resistant polyethylene, they are very stable, resilient and universally applicable for brief applications. The material is foil-like and the glove is available in a standard size. Due to the favourable price, this examination glove made of PE is a cost-effective alternative to other disposable gloves.

Copolymer gloves consist of a sensitive, soft film that is usually coated onto paper for easy peeling. The film is PVC- and latex-free and therefore suitable for use in case of latex allergy.

A Large Selection of Sterile & Non-Sterile examination gloves

In the category examination gloves we offer you a large selection of high-quality, non-sterile disposable gloves for use in all medical areas. From powder-free latex gloves, nitrile gloves and vinyl gloves for latex allergy sufferers to protective gloves with a moisturising inner coating. You will also find latex finger cots that can be used for rectal examinations.

As a rule, disposable medical gloves are powder-free and non-sterile, as there is no need to use sterile protective clothing for everyday examinations and treatments. However, if you need sterile disposable gloves, we offer you the sterile copolymer gloves from Dahlhausen, these are available in sizes S to L and are packed individually or in pairs.

Do you have any further questions about our examination gloves or do you need advice on our products? Just get in touch with us! Our customer service will be happy to assist you by phone, email or via our convenient online chat.