Healthcare and care settings often use different types of disposable gloves depending on the task, level of risk and comfort needed.
Nitrile gloves are commonly used because they are durable, latex-free and suitable for a wide range of care tasks. They are often preferred for personal care, cleaning, continence care, wound care support and situations where stronger protection or better puncture resistance is needed.
Vinyl gloves may be suitable for short, lower-risk tasks where gloves are changed frequently, such as basic cleaning, food handling or general hygiene duties. They are usually less durable than nitrile, so they may not be the best choice for longer wear or higher-risk care tasks.
Latex gloves can offer good fit, comfort and flexibility, but they may not be suitable for workplaces where staff, patients or residents have latex allergies or sensitivities.
Sterile gloves may be required for certain clinical procedures where a higher level of hygiene is needed. Non-sterile examination gloves are more commonly used for everyday care, cleaning and general healthcare tasks.
When choosing gloves for healthcare use, it is also worth checking whether the product meets relevant standards. In Australia and New Zealand, medical examination gloves may reference AS/NZS 4011, while international glove standards may include EN 455, ASTM D6319 for nitrile examination gloves, ASTM D5250 for vinyl medical gloves, and ISO 11193 for single-use medical examination gloves.