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Medical Gloves

On this page:

• About medical gloves
• When to use medical gloves
• Types of medical gloves used in patient care
• Choosing between examination, surgical, and chemotherapy gloves
• Non-medical gloves
• What you should know before using medical gloves
• Find all FDA-cleared gloves

About medical gloves

Medical gloves are disposable gloves used during medical procedures. Medical gloves help prevent contamination between caregivers and patients. Some are designed to prevent contact with certain chemotherapy drugs.

Medical gloves include examination gloves, surgical gloves, and medical gloves for handling chemotherapy agents (chemotherapy gloves). These gloves are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA makes sure that manufacturers of these devices meet performance criteria such as leak resistance, tear resistance, etc.

When to use medical gloves

Use medical gloves when your hands or nails may touch someone else’s body fluids (such as blood, respiratory secretions, vomit, urine or feces) or certain hazardous drugs.

Types of medical gloves used in patient care

Surgical gloves

• sold as sterile products
• usually packaged in fitted and sized pairs

Examination gloves

• not usually sold as sterile products
• not designed to fit closely
• packaged in pairs or boxes of single gloves

Chemotherapy gloves

• sold as sterile or non-sterile products
• usually packaged in boxes of single gloves or fitted pairs
• contain special properties to protect the wearer from chemotherapy drugs

Choosing between examination, surgical, and chemotherapy gloves

Choose surgical gloves to protect a surgical wound from contamination or when sterile conditions must be maintained.

Choose examination gloves to prevent contamination or infection when examining or treating a patient.

Choose chemotherapy gloves when working with chemotherapy drugs.

Non-medical gloves

Non-medical gloves, such as those used for household cleaning or for fire or injury protection, are not regulated by FDA. They do not meet FDA requirements for use in patient care.

What you should know before using medical gloves

• Wash your hands before putting on sterile gloves.
  
• Make sure your gloves fit properly for you to wear them comfortably during all patient care activities.
  
• Some people are allergic to the natural rubber latex used in some medical gloves. FDA requires manufacturers to identify on the package labeling the materials used to make the gloves. If you are allergic to natural rubber latex, you should choose gloves made from other synthetic materials (such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nitirole, or polyurethane).
  
• Be aware that sharp objects can puncture medical gloves.
  
• Always change your gloves if they rip or tear.
  
• After removing gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
  
• Never reuse medical gloves.
  
• Never wash or disinfect medical gloves.
  
• Never share medical gloves with other users.
  
• See About PPE for information on disposing of medical gloves.

Find all FDA-cleared gloves

FDA’s Devices@FDA website lets you search for medical devices that FDA has cleared or approved, including personal protective equipment.

Search for all FDA-cleared medical gloves

Updated December 12, 2005