Frequently Asked Questions

Immediate reply to some of your queries
In order to facilitate your choice of the most appropriate hand barrier protection, Ansell Healthcare replies below to the most frequently asked questions.
If you do not find hereafter a proper reply to your specific query, your Ansell sales contact will be happy to help you further.

Nitrile
What is Nitrile?Nitrile is a petroleum-based, cross-linked film that is formed by the co-polymerization of butadiene with acrylonitrile to yield a nitrile elastomer.
How does the quality of nitrile compare to other materials eg. Latex and Vinyl?Nitrile is a much better barrier to harsh chemicals than NRL. Its puncture resistance is far superior to that of latex and all other glove films. Tensile strength is also typically better.
Does Nitrile fit well?Nitrile’s elasticity is very good, with elongation limits typically 500% or better. It exhibits some memory and tends to conform to the shape of the wearer after been worn for a few minutes.
When should Nitrile be used?Nitrile gloves are recommended as an alternative to NRL product and for conditions where high strength and chemical protection are required and for individuals with latex allergies.

Neoprene
What is Neoprene?Neoprene is the generic name for polymers of chloroprene (2-chloro-I, 3-butadiene). It forms a petroleum-based, cross-linked film that provides barrier protection similar to that of latex.
How does the quality of neoprene compare to other materials eg. Latex and Nitrile?Neoprene exhibits good resistance to many chemical solvents just like nitrile. It provides protection from acids, alcohols, caustics, detergents, and ketones. With a modulus (force required to stretch the glove) very similar to NRL it is very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Does Neoprene fit well?Neoprene gloves have elasticity close to that of latex, providing a fit very similar to NRL.
When should Neoprene be used?Neoprene gloves are recommended as an alternative to NRL, because of their similarity to latex with respect to fit, feel, comfort and barrier protection. They are also recommended for individuals with latex allergies.

Vinyl
With the increase of latex allergies, hospitals are more and more in demand for synthetic gloves. Nitrile, Neoprene and Vinyl are the different types of synthetic examination gloves available today. Vinyl can be an easy option for hospitals under tight budgets and in need of a synthetic glove. It costs less than latex and has no latex proteins or accelerators. However, vinyl should be chosen with caution.
What is vinyl?Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl, is prepared by the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer. Plasticizers such as phthalate esters, phosphates and epoxidized oils are added to PVC to provide flexibility to the rigid polymer for use as gloves and other products.
How does the quality of vinyl compare to other materials eg. Latex and Nitrile?The quality of vinyl gloves can be measured by the barrier effectiveness which involves assessment of leakage properties, in-use testing, permeability, bacterial transmission, and viral penetration.

During a « simulated in-use » method, such as that proposed by Korniewicz (1990, 2000), most studies demonstrate that vinyl medical gloves had more biological leakage than latex or nitrile medical examination gloves.

Both latex and nitrile medical exam gloves were found to provide adequate barrier protection against micro-organisms whereas vinyl remains inferior (Rego and Roley 1999).
How does vinyl perform with chemicals?Vinyl has poor resistance to degradation by chemicals such as the alcohols used in swabbing down the work surface (M. Clulow; Disposable gloves. Professional Nurse, 324-6, February 1994).

Vinyl gloves should be excluded for use when handling chemotherapy drugs. Ansell’s ACPP.
Can Vinyl create an allergic reaction?Although Vinyl does not have accelerators that could cause type IV allergies, skin irritations can develop due to different types of plasticisers used.
Does Vinyl fit well?Although plasticizers are used in vinyl to give it better elasticity which gives the glove a good fit, vinyl can only be stretched with difficulty and therefore lacks elasticity and cuffs are baggy, compromising barrier integrity and fit.
When should vinyl be used?Vinyl use should be limited to short procedures in low-risk situations that do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or chemicals.
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