Introduction
Medical gloves are indispensable as a protection from infections; Unigloves takes additional steps in the manufacture of its gloves to ensure that the highest standards of protection are achieved. In line with our slogan “safety through quality"' we believe that the most significant benefit of eliminating powdered medical gloves is the higher degree of safety for staff, patients and visitors. The aim of this article is not to completely condemn the use of powdered gloves but to inform users that greater percentage of safety is achieved with powder free gloves and to emphasize the need to gradually switch to powder free gloves.
Problems associated with powdered gloves
There are no medical indications that require specific use of powdered gloves. The frequently stated advantage that they are easier in donning can also be achieved with other methods. The powder in powdered gloves contain residual chemicals and accelerators like Sulphur, zinc and anti-oxidants. The standard protein limit in latex glove is 200µg per glove for powdered gloves and 50µg per glove for powder free gloves. Powdered gloves contain high protein which leads to latex allergy. The good news here is that the powder free gloves produced by N.S. Uni-gloves Sdn Bhd is consistently below 50µg per glove.
Below are some possible hazards associated with powdered gloves:
Surgery complication
During surgery the powder in gloves could stick with abdominal tissues and this could lead to complications.
Skin damage
Powder draws moisture from the skin, abrades the epithelium and increases the pH of the skin. Cracked, dry and softened skin is susceptible to inflammations and eczema of the hands. Destruction of the natural skin protection layer makes it easier for allergens, toxins and pathogens to penetrate – allergic skin reactions are facilitated.
Irritants
When powdered gloves are pulled from their dispensing box or snapped on and off a user’s hands, there is a small wisp of powder molecules dispersed into the air. The powder in powdered gloves are aerosolized and when inhaled, this can be an irritant that develops over time into serious respiratory allergies for both patients and those who wear powdered latex gloves.
Contamination of medical equipment
Medical instruments and devices can also be contaminated when handled with powdered gloves or by airborne powder particles, thus endangering the patient. The optimal performance of high-tech instruments (e.g. endoscopic cameras, surgical microscopes, monitors) can be impaired by powder deposits.
Impairment of diagnostic tests
Airborne powder particles can contaminate lab samples, resulting in incorrect test results.
What we do
At Unigloves we specialize in the manufacture of disposable gloves supplied through partners who care about the quality of the products they sell.
Conclusion
Powder-free medical gloves generally contain fewer chemicals and fewer proteins. As a result they are significantly less allergenic and more skin tolerable. By using powder-free gloves, all powder-related health risks can be eliminated and costs reduced in the long term.
Powder free gloves are also “cleaner” to use, eliminating worry of powder on clothing or other items.
Our Medical Examination gloves meet the world standard of EN4551-4 with AQL of 1.5 and our Medical sterile and surgical gloves meet the AQL standard of 1.0
We are Uni-medical Healthcare Limited, makers of Unigloves.
Here is list of our products:
ü Medical Disposable Examination gloves (Latex and Non Latex; Powdered and Powder Free)
ü Surgical and Sterile Examination gloves (Powdered & Powder Free)
ü Hand hygiene and disinfectant products and accessories
ü Skin antisepsis
ü Wound care products
ü PPEs
ü Intravenous Administration Sets lines
ü Instrument Disinfection and sterilisation
ü Surface and Medical Equipment disinfection products
Contact:
Head office
Uni-medical Healthcare Limited
7A Ajibade Oke street, Ajao estate, Isolo, Lagos
Lagos state.
08085681006
