What are the benefits of using latex-free surgical gloves?

Posted by Sharif ElMatary
2
Dec 6, 2016
147 Views
Surgical population, especially children who undergo multiple surgeries, have higher NRL (Natural rubber latex) sensitization levels. Even healthcare workforce employed in the O.R. has high sensitization rates. Such sensitized individuals are susceptible to clinical allergic reactions. An allergic reaction triggered by latex can have an adverse effect on the quality of life of individuals. Though the incidence of NRL allergies has decreased with the use of powder- free gloves, these allergic reactions can be further avoided by shifting to a latex-free environment.

Need for changing to a latex-free setting in hospitals

In order to tackle this safety concern, several hospitals provide latex-free surgical gloves to patients and workers with known latex allergy. However, this approach does not eliminate or minimize the possibility of developing latex allergies for other patients and workers. Therefore, some hospitals are switching to only latex-free gloves to eliminate adverse events of latex glove-related allergies.

Benefits associated with using latex-free gloves

Despite the clinical evidence supporting the change to latex-free gloves, there are hospitals that are averse to this approach. Their reluctance can be attributed to the perceived price increase involved with the conversion to a latex-free environment, the trouble of O.R. supplies changes, alongside an opinion that latex-free gloves lack comfort and protection offered by latex gloves.

Here are some benefits associated with using latex-free surgical gloves:

It eliminates the adverse events of latex allergy due to latex surgical gloves. Additionally, the cost of latex allergy treatment goes down with usage of non-latex gloves.

It reduces the loss of time and efficiency of an OR team in the case of a glove-related allergy incident. There is a reduction in sick leave and the cost of replacing an emergency staff member.

The O.R. turnover duration for patients with the latex allergy is reduced. Moreover, it reduces time and medical supplies wastage when surgery has to be canceled once a patient’s sensitivity is revealed.

The logistical advantages linked to using non-latex gloves include simplified ordering, consolidation of lines, and availability of more space in the O.R. stockroom as a result of the lesser number of products needed.

Thus, changing to non-latex alternatives can considerably minimize the cost and the incidence of latex-related allergies. Latex-free gloves come in a variety of options such as microsurgery gloves, orthopedic gloves, moisturizing gloves and much more. They are made from materials like polyisoprene or polychloroprene that have the same functioning properties as the latex options. It allows clinicians to monitor and treat their patients without enhancing the chances of developing latex-related allergies.

The shift to latex-free gloves will not only minimize the danger of allergy-related incidents but create a secure working environment for hospital staff and patients. It will also protect sensitive patients from developing latex allergies in future. There will be significant savings associated with switching to latex-free surgical gloves from latex gloves. This kind of innovative product advances is necessary to make hospitals a safer and healthier place for patients and staff.
Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.