Medical-grade gloves are a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for many professional environments. Though most often used in healthcare settings, disposable medical gloves are also necessary for caregivers, food handlers, dentists and other professionals. Wherever health and sanitation are top concerns, protective gloves are essential. They help stop the spread of germs and viruses, promoting the safety of both employees and those they serve.
For more information, please visit Hongray.
If you need disposable gloves for your professional environment, choosing the best possible kind of glove is critical. You’ll need to understand the difference between various disposable glove types. Not all gloves are the same — different materials, strength levels and other features lend themselves to distinct purposes. Below, we’ll discuss the 10 most important considerations for stocking up on gloves.
Only some disposable gloves qualify as medical gloves. To fit the medical-grade description, disposable gloves must meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality assurance guidelines. These guidelines ensure all gloves used in medical settings are durable and reliable, not flimsy or brittle. For patient examinations, gloves must have an acceptable quality level (AQL) no higher than 2.5. That rating means no more than 2.5% of the gloves in a batch can have defects. These gloves are non-sterile — sterile gloves must have an even lower AQL measure.
Manufacturers have to keep up with stringent testing measures to achieve a score of 2.5 or lower. Gloves with an AQL higher than 4 or 5 are only acceptable for mechanical or industrial purposes. Rigorous AQL standards require glove manufacturers to employ uncompromising quality control. The AQL scoring guide helps ensure gloves used for medical purposes are without defects. Tears or other lapses in quality could leave healthcare professionals and their patients vulnerable to pathogens or other contaminants.
Depending on your application, you’ll have to decide on an acceptable AQL rating. You may be able to find industry standards, but if not, opt for lower AQL numbers for the best quality disposable gloves. Keep in mind, doctors use gloves with AQL scores of 2.5 or lower during patient examinations. A similar score would likely suffice for your environment unless you need them for surgical purposes.
Disposable gloves with an acceptable AQL rating come in a variety of materials. One of the first things you should consider is your glove material preference. Different glove materials are useful for different purposes, so it’s a good idea to learn about the available options before making a bulk purchase.
Nitrile gloves are one of the best alternatives to latex gloves, offering a longer average shelf life. Standard nitrile gloves are an ideal non-sterile option. A powder-free, latex-free nitrile glove is resistant to chemicals, oils and acids. Nitrile’s strength makes these gloves tough and helps them stay puncture-free, even when worn for extended periods. If latex allergies are an issue, nitrile gloves offer a flexible, touch-sensitive alternative. You can buy bulk orders of nitrile gloves in a variety of colors and sizes.
Latex is a comfortable, inexpensive glove option suitable for most medical environments. They’ve been a staple of many healthcare facilities since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic of the s. With that said, latex allergies are common. There’s a high likelihood someone in your organization or someone you serve will have a latex allergy. If you’re purchasing gloves for widespread use, you might consider a material less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as nitrile or vinyl. Latex also has a short shelf life compared to other materials.
Another option is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) glove. PVC is a common synthetic plastic polymer. Since they’re easy to mass-produce, these gloves are one of the least expensive options. They’re also less durable than other glove types, and they offer limited hazard protection. For that reason, PVC gloves are best suited for low-hazard applications. In some cases, a nitrile-vinyl blend glove may be the best choice for affordability and durability.
For most applications, one of the above-listed materials will suffice. Here are a few other material choices you might consider for latex-free medical gloves:
For a glove to have a “sterile” rating, it must meet strict FDA guidelines. Sterile medical gloves are acceptable for surgical purposes, so they must have the best possible AQL ratings. Sterile gloves must have an acceptable quality level of 1.5 or lower. As mentioned above, examination gloves can have an AQL as high as 2.5, so sterile gloves can be considered even safer. Because their manufacture requires strict testing, sterile gloves may have a higher price.
Though the term “non-sterile” may sound concerning, non-sterile gloves with an AQL of 2.5 or lower are acceptable for any non-surgical purposes. Using non-sterile gloves in non-surgical settings is safe and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Most healthcare workers use non-sterile gloves for patient examination purposes.
Non-sterile gloves work well for other applications, as well. If you’re looking for disposable gloves for routine cleaning, food service, caregiving or other purposes, non-sterile gloves should be fine. It’s vital to decide on an acceptable AQL rating for your purposes.
You may come across powdered and non-powdered glove options. Powdered gloves feature cornstarch coatings, which makes them easier to put on and prevents them from sticking together. Though this can improve convenience, the FDA has banned powdered gloves for surgery and patient examination purposes.
According to the FDA, the risks of powdered gloves in medical settings outweigh the benefits. The powder can cling to the wearer’s skin, causing irritation, inflammation or allergic reactions. It can also cause surgical complications involving peritoneal adhesions, which are a type of bond between a person’s organs. Though the ban does not yet extend to food service applications, loose cornstarch from powdered gloves may cause food contamination. In most instances, a non-powdered glove is a preferable choice.
You should also consider glove thickness. Thicker gloves provide a stronger protective barrier. They also better resist tears, allowing for a longer wear time. A heavy-duty, industrial-grade glove will offer more thickness than a lighter, thinner glove.
With that said, a thicker glove may dull touch sensitivity, which isn’t ideal in certain settings. If your application requires a high level of touch sensitivity, you might opt for thinner gloves made from a durable material, such as nitrile. When browsing glove options, look for thickness measurements in mils.
Certain situations call for a high level of tactile or touch sensitivity. For instance, a surgeon needs unimpaired touch sensitivity to perform surgery with the necessary precision and accuracy. Tactile-sensitive gloves made of a lightweight material will allow for precision levels similar to an ungloved hand. Sensitivity may also be necessary for a number of applications, including food preparation, electronic handling and pharmaceuticals.
You should also consider glove comfort and fit, including various size options. Depending on your application, your staff may need to wear gloves while performing complex tasks. They may also need to wear their gloves for extended periods. It’s vital to choose comfortable gloves — an uncomfortable glove may hinder someone’s ability to perform their necessary responsibilities.
Size options are an essential consideration. If a glove is too small, it may cause irritability or limit blood circulation to the wearer’s hand, making the fit distracting and uncomfortable. A too-small glove is more likely to tear, as well, compromising its protective barrier.
If a glove is too large, other concerns may arise. Loose space between the glove and the wearer’s skin may leave the wearer vulnerable to pathogens. A glove that’s too big is also likely to fall off, causing a significant contamination concern. When buying gloves, be sure to acquire several sizes, at least small, medium and large.
Tensile strength refers to a material’s resistance to breaking when stretched or pulled. Gloves with higher tensile strength ratings are more tear-resistant. Nitrile and latex are both materials with high tensile strength ratings — you can tug and pull on them quite a bit before they’ll start to tear. Since a tear would compromise a glove’s protection, tensile strength is essential. It’s an important measurement to acknowledge, especially for applications requiring hand dexterity.
Though you may not think twice about glove color, it can make a notable difference. You may choose to color code your gloves so staff can easily differentiate between various glove types. For instance, you might choose blue for latex gloves and black for non-latex gloves, so those with a latex allergy will have no trouble selecting the non-latex gloves. If you need both sterile and non-sterile gloves, color coding could again be useful.
Certain glove colors also make tears more apparent. If you wear a dark-colored glove on top of a light-colored glove, tears will be easy to identify. You can then change gloves as soon as possible after a tear, minimizing contamination risks.
You may wonder whether or not double-gloving offers more protection than wearing a single glove. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), double-gloving is an effective way to protect the wearer from pathogens and other harmful substances. They found that while glove perforations were common, there were no instances of inner double-glove perforation. The NIH recommends double-gloving as a routine practice for operating rooms.
Standardizing double-gloving may help you promote your staff’s safety and wellbeing. Should you choose to do so, you may need to store greater quantities of gloves. It’s a good idea to order gloves in bulk amounts for this purpose.
The final factor you should consider is a glove’s shelf life. Buying disposable gloves in bulk will ensure you always have gloves available when needed — but it may also mean some gloves sit unused for extended periods. A glove’s shelf life depends most on its material. Nitrile gloves last longer than any other material. You should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, but most nitrile gloves will last in their original packaging for several years.
In most cases, it’s easy to tell if a glove is compromised. A compromised glove may have surface cracks or feel brittle to the touch. Always wear gloves with normal tensile strength and durability, and keep careful track of how long your gloves have sat on the shelf.
Proper storage can help make gloves last longer. For short or long-term glove storage, you should keep gloves:
When deciding where to store your gloves, opt for a cool, dark environment. In most cases, a shelf in a secluded closet will do fine. Proper storage will help you extend your gloves’ shelf life, saving you time and money long-term and minimizing waste.
Choosing the right gloves for your application can make your environment safer, healthier and more productive. When shopping for new disposable gloves, consider several factors — the material, AQL, durability, comfort, dexterity, color and additional features. Each of these factors is significant. Once you’ve chosen the right gloves for you, be sure to purchase as many as you may need and follow best storage practices.
If you work in the medical field, surgical gloves are some of the most critical equipment you use. But where to buy surgical gloves to get the best bang for your buck? Should you just search for “surgical gloves near me?”
Gloves protect medical staff and patients from cross-contamination, infection, and chemical exposure. Surgical gloves are used across the medical industry, and finding out where to buy disposable gloves for the best possible price is essential to maintaining a constant supply at the best possible price.
But what should you consider when choosing surgical gloves?
In the world of medicine, surgical gloves are essential. They help to maintain a sterile environment, which is paramount during medical procedures. Whether you perform surgeries, provide assistance as a caregiver, or aid doctors with medical tasks, surgical gloves are the safest gloves to keep everyone protected.
Surgical gloves differ from other types of medical gloves in that they are always sterile and are designed for use during medical procedures. Typically, gloves used in surgery are made from nitrile, latex, neoprene, or vinyl. Unlike examination gloves, surgical gloves undergo extremely rigorous manufacturing and testing processes.
Nitrile gloves and neoprene gloves are often more popular in hospitals and medical institutions because latex gloves can pose problems. People with latex allergies cannot come into contact with latex gloves for fear of triggering a reaction, so other materials are preferred.
Surgical gloves also offer much better fits than other medical gloves, ensuring better precision and sensitivity — both essential when performing intricate tasks like surgery. Our surgical gloves are always individually wrapped to ensure sterility, even in transport and storage.
Are you interested in learning more about Wholesale Surgical Gloves? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy surgical gloves?” let us help!
At Gloves.com, we’ve been in business for over 30 years, supplying all types of disposable gloves to companies and individuals all over the USA. Offering an extensive selection of gloves in a wide range of sizes and materials, Gloves.com has you covered. We make it easy and affordable to buy surgical gloves online.
With our extensive selection of latex surgical gloves, nitrile gloves, powder-free gloves, vinyl gloves, and latex-free gloves, you can find absolutely every type of glove on the market.
In addition to offering an extensive range of gloves, we also provide surgical gloves in bulk — perfect for the medical industry, where multiple pairs of surgical gloves are used daily.
At Gloves.com, we also provide discounts on large orders, free delivery on orders over $99, and scheduled repeat orders (with a fat discount.) We guarantee the best prices and the fastest delivery in the industry whenever you buy surgical gloves.
If you’re unsure which gloves will work best for you, we also offer samples so you can try various gloves before committing to a bulk order.
With our history in the business, Gloves.com has built professional relationships with reputable and reliable glove manufacturers worldwide, ensuring you always have access to the best quality gloves at the best available price.
Whether you need surgical gloves for immediate use or you’re replenishing backstock, Gloves.com can help. Not sure what you need? Our sales team is on hand to answer your questions and send you the samples you need to find the best gloves for your facility.
There are plenty of other places to pick up medical-grade surgical gloves online. Websites like Amazon provide a wide range of gloves that can often be delivered within a few hours — depending on where you live — making these retailers great for use during stocking emergencies.
That said, Amazon doesn't vet the sellers listed on its website — and the gloves for sale there might not be made to the same quality and standards that you expect.
Amazon often stocks products from “dupe” brands that might not be made to the specifications claimed in their descriptions, so it’s essential to use customer reviews and ratings to find the best supplier.
While sourcing gloves on Amazon works in a pinch, safety is paramount in medicine. Therefore, choosing a reputable reseller that quality-controls its stock — like Gloves.com — is often better than trying to find the lowest price from an online retailer with no specialization.
Most towns and cities are home to medical supply stores. Medical supply stores stock everything needed in medical environments — from diagnostic equipment to PPE, including gloves.
Depending on their size, most medical supply stores typically carry a diverse range of gloves in different brands, sizes, and materials so customers can find the models that meet their exact specifications.
One of the most significant advantages of shopping at a brick-and-mortar medical supply store is a personalized experience.
On-site staff can assist you with your purchases, help you navigate the inventory, provide recommendations, and offer a better insight into individual brands and products that might not be available when buying medical gloves online.
Medical supply stores also often offer discounts to medical staff and on bulk purchases, helping customers save money on medical gloves. Whether you’re a professional looking for high-quality surgical gloves or an individual needing PPE, check out your local medical supply store.
Should you find the gloves you need selling for less than they cost on our site, remember that Gloves.com will not be undersold on medical gloves. Simply contact our sales staff and request a price match under our guarantee. Shipping is free for all orders over $99 — even if your requested gloves are heavily discounted.
Every town has a pharmacy, and larger pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS often offer at-home delivery, making these retailers a convenient place to pick up medical gloves. Pharmacies will likely have a limited in-store stock of high-quality surgical gloves, while their online portals usually offer greater ranges of gloves and options to buy in bulk.
Like medical supply store employees, pharmacists and pharmacy staff can help you find the right gloves for your needs. Pharmacies stock a wide range of medical supplies, so when you need more than gloves, they’re great one-stop shops for everything on your list.
Pharmacies generally offer different sales and discounts throughout the year, helping you save money on medical gloves. At Gloves.com, we’re ready to match any price they put on their surgical gloves, no matter how low.
Healthcare institutions maintain constant supplies of PPE and other medical equipment, including gloves. They buy bulk from large wholesalers specializing in gloves, PPE, and medical supplies.
While it’s generally impossible to buy gloves in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, you should be able to inquire about their trusted suppliers.
If you’re part of a medical institution looking for a new place to buy surgical gloves, speaking to other health professionals in the area can help you with recommendations.
Often, healthcare institutions will have ongoing agreements with suppliers that offer competitive pricing to keep the business — so they should be more than happy to share the names of their suppliers.
If you’re an individual looking for surgical gloves, reaching out to your healthcare provider can be a great way to get the right recommendations for what you need and put you in contact with the right supplier.
While you cannot buy directly from medical institutions, their staff know the medical industry better than anyone and can help advise on the best product for your needs.
Your local Walmart or Target will likely stock at least one or two options for sterile surgical gloves in-store. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to find surgical gloves in bulk. However, you should be able to pick them up in an emergency if you run out.
Walmart and Target also offer online shopping, with a much more comprehensive selection of gloves available online, any of which can be delivered directly to your home or place of work. Walmart also offers the option of automatic repeat offers, which might seem perfect for smaller medical practices.
However, remember that Gloves.com does more than just price match. We also offer a discount if you set up recurring bulk purchases, and you never pay for shipping if your minimum order is over $99. While Walmart may provide a convenient solution, your path to long-term savings while keeping your surgical glove supply stocked runs through Gloves.com.
While pet stores and veterinary supply stores might not be your first choice for surgical gloves, the gloves vets use in surgery are surgical gloves. There is no difference between the gloves used in hospitals and those used in veterinary clinics.
Veterinary supply and pet stores might not sell gloves at the best price or offer bulk options, but they still stock sterile surgical gloves that are great in a pinch.
Surgical gloves are essential to the medical industry. Whether you work in caretaking or major surgery, they are one of the most critical elements of personal protective equipment. Medical procedures can only happen with suitable disposable gloves.
Modern surgical gloves are essential for maintaining the hygiene, safety, and sterility that ensure the excellent health of medical staff and patients in contemporary medical environments.
Buying online from reputable wholesalers like Gloves.com provides a continuous supply of surgical gloves at the best prices from tried and tested brands you can trust. Buying in bulk helps you save money and time while offering benefits like price matching and free, fast delivery.
Whether you buy from online retailers like gloves.com, medical supply stores, pharmacies, or your local grocery store, maintaining a good stock of surgical gloves is essential to keeping your medical facility running smoothly and safely.
Subscription orders can help ensure you never run out of gloves, while bulk ordering can help you save money on gloves and shipping costs.
If you’re looking for surgical gloves, our team at Gloves.com offers a wide range of disposable gloves in various materials and sizes. Look at our collection today — or call our sales team to discuss your needs and order some samples.
The company is the world’s best Latex Powder Free Gloves Wholesale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.