Nitrile vs Latex Gloves: Choosing the Right Gloves for Your Hospital

Gloves are the most-used consumable in any hospital, so choosing the right type has a big impact on safety, comfort and budget. Here is how the two most common materials compare.

Latex gloves

• Excellent elasticity, fit and fingertip sensitivity
• Preferred by many surgeons for delicate procedures
• Risk of latex allergy for staff and patients

Nitrile gloves

• Latex-free, so suitable for allergy-sensitive users
• Higher puncture and chemical resistance
• Modern thin nitrile now offers comfort close to latex

Which should you choose?

Many hospitals use sterile latex or synthetic surgical gloves in theatre and powder-free nitrile for examinations, wards and laboratories. Always keep a latex-free option available, and choose gloves that meet EN 455 or ASTM standards.

Getting sizing right

Ill-fitting gloves cause hand fatigue and tears. Stock a full size range and let staff trial samples before committing to a large order.

Surgi World supplies both sterile surgical and examination gloves in bulk, with samples available for evaluation.