What Are Nitrile Examination Gloves

Many people suffer from latex allergies. Nitrile gloves are preferred because they are made of synthetic rubber.  This means that even if the glove wearer isn’t allergic to latex, it still might be a good idea to switch to nitrile. For example, even if a tattoo artist doesn’t have a latex allergy, one of his customers may. There is also a trend away from powdered gloves to powder-free gloves. Does it really save that much time to put on a powdered glove? Every time you don a powdered glove, a little bit of the powder gets in your lungs, and also on whatever substance you’re using. Another common misconception is some people thinking they get latex allergies when they use powdered nitrile gloves. What actually happens is the corn starch used for the powder dries out the hands, and dry hands are confused with a latex allergy. There are definitely uses for latex gloves, but as you’ll soon see, nitrile gloves have many compelling advantages. Avoiding allergies is just the beginning.

Nitrile is also stronger than latex – in fact, it’s up to 3 times more puncture resistant! 

Although you give up some strength and flexibility with nitrile, it’s much more puncture-resistant than natural rubber gloves. And when you’re dealing with sharp needles, you don’t want to take any chances.

Due to improved manufacturing techniques, nitrile is closing the gap significantly with latex when it comes to comfort and dexterity.

It used to be that there was a big difference in tactile sensation between nitrile and latex gloves. While that is still partially true, manufacturing techniques continue to improve, and the difference between latex and nitrile isn’t as great as it once was.

All this, combined with the price stability of nitrile, has glove-wearers steadily migrating from latex to nitrile. 

One final reason to “never bet on latex” has to do with price. The price of latex is incredibly volatile since it’s made from natural rubber. Nitrile prices are a lot less volatile, and production techniques continue to get better. Since nitrile is a man-made product, the production is not as subject to the whims of Mother Nature as latex. NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) is used in many different products – aeronautical application, footwear, any kind of molded goods, adhesives, sealants, sponges, foam, and also, of course, gloves.

Nitrile is now our most popular glove choice! 

With allergies, price stability, and improved manufacturing techniques, nitrile will be taking more of the market share from latex moving forward.