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Migration Studies of Biodegradable Composites
Published in Arbind Prasad, Ashwani Kumar, Kishor Kumar, Biodegradable Composites for Packaging Applications, 2023
The extensive use of medical gloves and other latex medical equipment (natural rubber latex), in particular among health professionals, led to a substantial increase in acute type I illnesses of hypersensitivity. In this working group, the prevalence of latex sensitization is between 5% and 17% (Lagier et al., 1992; Turjanmaa et al., 1996). An itchy skin rash, urticaria, angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylactic shock are all symptoms of latex allergy (Table 11.2). There have also been reports of fatalities (Kaczmarek et al., 1996).
Medical Rubber Glove Waste As Potential Filler Materials in Polymer Composites
Published in S. M. Sapuan, Y. Nukman, N. A. Abu Osman, R. A. Ilyas, Composites in Biomedical Applications, 2020
M. Nuzaimah, S. M. Sapuan, R. Nadlene, M. Jawaid, R. A. Ilyas
Rubber gloves generally can be divided into three different categories: medical, household and industrial gloves. Medical gloves are worn by healthcare workers during medical procedures and examinations to prevent cross contaminations between them and the patients. Medical gloves are further categorized into surgical gloves and examination gloves. Surgical gloves worn by surgeons are made with the strictest specifications to prevent rupture or tear during usage. Meanwhile, examination glove applications are more general and extensive, such as caregivers, healthcare examiners, laboratories, room cleaning, food handling, and processing. Figure 9.2 shows typical medical examination gloves. Household gloves, on the other hand, are used for household chores, professional cleaners, and food processing industries. Household gloves normally are thicker with longer cuffs to provide excellent protection against abrasions, cuts, and tears. Industrial gloves are commonly used in food, electronics, painting and coating, printing, and dyeing industries. These gloves not only protect the hands of employees, but also protect their products from contamination or damage (Meleth, 2012).
Designing for Hand and Wrist Anatomy
Published in Karen L. LaBat, Karen S. Ryan, Human Body, 2019
Latex allergies, a health hazard for both medical professionals and patients, proliferated in the 1980s and 1990s related largely to use of medical gloves of natural rubber latex (NRL), a product derived from rubber tree sap. The latex contains a protein that can cause reactions ranging from contact dermatitis to asthma symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Chowdhury and Maibach (2004) provide extensive information on the basic science and clinical management of latex intolerance. Because latex allergies can be so severe, other glove materials are now available for medical gloves. However, after Palosuo, Antoniadou, Gottrup, and Phillips (2011) reviewed the modifications made in the manufacture and use of NRL gloves in response to NRL allergies; they suggested latex gloves be reconsidered for medical use because of many highly desirable qualities. An exception is known cases of latex allergy or sensitization. Latex gloves remain widely available for non-medical use and may be a risk for allergic individuals, as “Manufacturers are not required to label home and community products which contain natural rubber” (Spina Bifida Association, 2015). Research continues to identify materials that compare more favorably with latex, to further improve medical gloves and other products made from latex substitutes.
A critical review of the assessment of medical gloves
Published in Tribology - Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces, 2021
D. Preece, R. Lewis, M. J. Carré
Clinical staff, such as doctors and surgeons, are required to don medical gloves to protect themselves and patients from contamination. Two types of medical gloves exist. Examination gloves; worn for routine medical examinations and minor procedures and surgical gloves; worn for surgeries by surgical staff. The safety performance of these gloves is relatively undisputed. Their effects on hand performance, however, should not be overlooked. Medical gloves have been investigated for possible reduction in performance capabilities [1]. However, it has yet to be determined as to how gloves should be assessed for quality of purpose. Does placing a membrane over the hand have such an effect on performance that a medical professional cannot perform tasks correctly? This review aims to bring together the knowledge available on how medical glove performance has been assessed within the literature. Firstly, focusing on the varied materials of gloves before discussing how gloves have been assessed in previous studies. The advantages and limitations of such assessments will be discussed, and suggestions will be made on improvements if and where applicable. As the review is focusing on real-world applications, studies focusing on sensitivity, dexterity, friction, grip and performance perception will be evaluated. The studies searched for have been studies that look specifically at medical glove materials and measuring differences between them or the bare skin condition. The studies discussed in this review have been identified through searching scientific journal databases, specifically for medical examination and surgical glove assessments along with more specific key terms: ‘dexterity’, ‘sensitivity’ ‘grip’ and ‘friction’. Databases which included institutional access were used, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, PLOS, JSTOR and the University of Sheffield library database, to bring together research from across 38 journals.