The Complete Buyers Guide to Latex Gloves

If you are considering making to move to Latex gloves, this handy guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Latex gloves (sterile and non-sterile) are used for both medical and PPE purposes; whereby they provide infection control / cross contamination in a medical application (for both user and patient) and hand protection from particulates, detergents and low-risk chemicals in an industrial / general environment (for the user).

Latex gloves are durable and conform to the hand providing a close fit; this enhances the dexterity and feel for the user. Latex gloves also provide a range of grip depending on the surface texture and treatment (additional chlorination of the glove provides a smoother silky feel compare to a single chlorinated glove which is has a tackier feel and greater grip).

There are two types of latex, natural and synthetic. Natural latex is the result of sap being collected from a rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

When a rubber tree has its bark shaved it naturally oozes a milky white sap that is then used to create latex. As the sap naturally hardens on exposure to air when it is released from the tree, it is treated to keep it in the liquid state so that it can be used. Hevea trees mature at five to seven years of age and can be tapped for up to 30 years. Rubber yields range around a ton per acre (2.5 tons per ha) on the larger plantations and trees are often are rested for a period after heavy tapping. More than 90% of natural latex comes from Asia in particular Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka.

The latex is then treated and prepared to enable it to be processed to make natural rubber latex gloves. Natural rubber latex offers flexibility, durability and good resistance to hazardous substances, making it the preferred choice for many who do not suffer with an allergy to the material.

Synthetic latex often known as Polyisoprene is a synthetic natural rubber, whereby the natural rubber is chemically polymerized, so it has all the properties of natural rubber latex but without the latex protein. It has a fit and feel similar to natural rubber latex, but it is actually latex-free and safe for people with latex allergies to use. Further synthetic materials are made from various petroleum based monomers (including nitrile and neoprene) and polyvinyl chloride (vinyl and stretch vinyl).

At the factory the latex liquid is further treated with chemicals in a process called ‘compounding’. Compounding stabilises and strengthens the latex ready for the dipping process. During the dipping process, clean ceramic hand shaped formers are firstly dipped into a coagulant tank which has two functions:

• It enables the latex solution to be picked up onto the hand former
• It enables the formed gloves to be stripped off the hand former without damaging the latex film

The hand former is then dipped into the latex solution after-which the latex is cured and starts to gel. Excess protein is removed by dipping the glove formers into water tanks (leaching), this is then followed by bead rolling. Finally the gloves enter the vulcanisation process which uses heat to cross link the polymer chains giving the film elasticity and improving strength. Depending on the finish of the glove it may undergo further processing (for instance chlorinated, double chlorinated, polymer coated, aloe treated). The gloves are stripped from the formers and the formers cleaned ready for the next dipping cycle.

We are all exposed to natural rubber latex items in day to day life, and for most people these cause no problems. A small number of people can become allergic to the latex proteins which can trigger allergic reactions. This happens because the immune system reacts to the latex proteins as if they were harmful. This over reaction is called ‘allergic hypersensitivity’ and latex is the ‘allergen’ (substance that causes the allergy). These proteins can also been found in other plants and are comparable to those found in some common foods (for instance avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, strawberries, grapes, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes, apples); so, if you are allergic to any of these then you could be prone to latex allergy.

Latex glove allergies are becoming more common, with millions of sufferers in the UK alone. As part of an employers’ duty of care, a risk assessment should be conducted prior to the use of latex gloves and an employer should ensure that alternative gloves are available for those who require gloves but are susceptible to allergic reactions. 

The symptoms of a latex allergy differ from person to person and with the severity of the allergy, but common issues that arise include hives, itching, redness immediately and in more severe cases breathlessness. If you spot these issues, seek medical guidance to confirm the allergy and avoid using latex gloves; instead opt for nitrile or synthetic varieties.

There are three main types of allergy associated with gloves:

1. Contact urticaria – type I

This is a systemic allergic reaction to natural rubber latex proteins. Symptoms include hives, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and in severe cases anaphylaxis and hypotension.

2. Allergic contact dermatitis – type IV

This is a hypersensitivity reaction and is normally localised to the skin that has been in contact with the glove. It is generally a reaction to the chemicals used in glove production and most commonly to the ‘accelerator’ type chemicals used in latex and standard nitrile gloves. Symptoms include red rash (erythema) and itching.

3. Irritant contact dermatitis

This is a skin irritation that does not involve the body’s immune system response. It is caused by factors that dry and damage the skin, including the abrasive and drying effect of glove powder. Symptoms include dryness and redness. Those with this type of reaction should avoid latex and choose powder free disposable gloves.

We stock a wide range of both nitrile gloves and synthetic gloves here on the site to ensure you stay safe and comfortable.

Surgical gloves are typically made from latex and are specially designed for use during surgical procedures. They are sterilised and individually packaged so as to minimise the risk of infection or cross-contamination between the patient and members of the surgical team.

Surgical gloves are a little different to other kinds of medical gloves. Unlike those designed for examination and general use, surgical gloves are subjected to rigorous sterilisation processes before use. They also tend to have a tighter fit to allow the surgeon more sensitivity and precision during a procedure. They are also made to a higher standard than other medical gloves to provide maximum protection against rips and tears.

All surgical gloves should comply with medical grade standards, as well as British Standard (BS) requirements.

Surgical gloves used to contain powder, to make them easier to don. This is no longer used, as talc and other powder can cause issues with contamination and infection control during surgical procedures.

Latex gloves are the reccomended glove for use if the wearer is likely to have contact with blood due to the high level of protection the glove thinkness and fit offers. 

Latex gloves do provide a good resistance to many acids and bases; however, this is dependent on the thickness of the glove and so breakthrough performance must be checked prior to use.

Latex gloves are not anti-static and ESD will build up with use. Latex is non-conductive and should protection against electrical shock be required then a certified electricians glove must be used.

While some latex glove brands offer a recycling service, latex gloves are non-biodegradable and therefore should be disposed of at approved landfill or by high temperature incineration normally with medical waste. Ensure that disposal is conducted in accordance with local authority and national guidelines.

Latex gloves are available in both powdered and powder free styles. Powder helps with donning especially when the hands are damp, however, the powder does create complications and has been banned for use within the NHS. In addition, the powder can carry the latex protein and exacerbate issues for those allergic to latex. Powder free latex gloves are polymer coated and surface treated to help with donning.

Yes, latex gloves can be used for food handling but it would be advised that powder free varieties are chosen to avoid contamination of food. Latex gloves do offer excellent flexibility and dexterity, however, because of latex allergy issues it would be recommended to use nitrile, vinyl or polyethylene gloves.

Most latex gloves are available in a range of sizes, from XS to XL. It is a good idea to purchase gloves a little larger than required to ensure they are not overstretched and making them more susceptible to tearing or punctures.