Structural features of latex gloves in dental practice

Comparison of hand contamination rates and environmental contamination levels between two different glove removal methods and distances

BACKGROUND

Gloves are a necessary contact precaution to prevent transmission of infectious pathogens that spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected person or a contaminated environment. This article reports a study investigating hand and environmental contamination levels when health care workers (HCWs) followed two different methods of removing gloves at two distances from the rubbish bin.

METHODS

Fifty HCWs performed a personal or causal glove removal method (pretest) and a Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-recommended glove removal method (posttest) at distances of 2 feet and 3 feet from the rubbish bin after the application of fluorescent solution (the simulated contaminant) onto their gloved hands.

RESULTS

The incidence of the small patch of fluorescent stain (<1 cm(2)) on the front of the doffed gloves was significantly lower in the posttest than in the pretest. The incidence of small and large patches (>1 cm(2)) on the front of the doffed gloves and on the cover of the rubbish bin was significantly lower at 3 feet than at 2 feet. Health care assistants had significantly higher levels of contamination than other HCWs in the pretest but not in the posttest. There was no significant difference in hand contamination rate between pretest and posttest based on distance from the rubbish bin and type of HCW.

CONCLUSION

The impact of the glove removal procedure and the distance to the bin in which used gloves are discarded should be taken into consideration on a daily basis, along with the supervision of infection control measures by minor staff.

Effect of choice of surgical gloves on dough time measurements of acrylic bone cement

In this study we investigated the effect of the brand of surgical gloves on the dough time determination for acrylic bone cements. Four different brands of powder-free latex surgical gloves were tested. Two commercial bone cements, Surgical Simplex P and Palacos R, were used for dough time measurement following standard test methods for acrylic bone cements (ASTM F-451 and ISO 5833). The results show that the measured dough time depended largely on the brand of gloves used, and could vary by nearly 250%. The surface morphological structures of gloves, determined by SEM, probably contribute to the differences in the measured dough time. This study provides experimental evidence that supports the need to describe the type of gloves used, in detail, when dough time is reported. It also illustrates the importance of the glove brand, when bone cement is to be handled as a dough in the clinical setting.

In situ localization of latex allergens in 3 different brands of latex gloves by means of immunogold field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy

BACKGROUND

Latex proteins represent relevant allergens, particularly for those persons who are frequently exposed to latex products (eg, health care workers and patients with chronic disorders). Although several latex allergens have been characterized by biochemical and molecular biologic techniques, little information is available concerning the in situ localization of allergenic proteins in latex products.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was the in situ localization of latex allergens.

METHODS

Serum IgE from patients with latex allergy reacting with a broad range (5-200 kd) of latex allergens was used for the in situ localization of latex allergens. One surgical and 2 examination latex glove brands were investigated by using immunogold field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Allergens were detected on the inner and outer surface of the gloves, particularly near the edges, crests, or folds of the bleb-like structures visible on the surface of the latex material at high magnifications. In ultrathin cross-sections, latex allergens were found throughout the sections.

CONCLUSIONS

Latex allergens were localized on the outer and inner surface but also in the interior of latex gloves. The occurrence of latex allergens on the surface of latex products may be related to their potential to induce local reactions and, perhaps, to sensitize individuals by means of contact.

Elastomers for biomedical applications

Current topics in elastomers for biomedical applications are reviewed. Elastomeric biomaterials, such as silicones, thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefin and polydiene elastomers, poly(vinyl chloride), natural rubber, heparinized polymers, hydrogels, polypeptides elastomers and others are described. In addition biomedical applications, such as cardiovascular devices, prosthetic devices, general medical care products, transdermal therapeutic systems, orthodontics, and ophthalmology are reviewed as well. Elastomers will find increasing use in medical products, offering biocompatibility, durability, design flexibility, and favorable performance/cost ratios. Elastomers will play a key role in medical technology of the future.