A Perfect Pair: Choosing Examination and Surgical Gloves
When it comes to examination or surgical gloves, to effectively prevent cross-contamination, they must provide reliable barrier protection against potentially infectious materials. That’s why “Acceptable Quality Level” (AQL) testing is mandatory.
Based on the number of pinholes and other defects in a large batch of gloves (usually 10,000 or more), as measured using air and water leak tests, a lower AQL number means fewer defects, i.e., better quality. The maximum AQL is 1.5 for surgical gloves and 2.5 for medical examination gloves. While safety is key, there are several additional criteria to consider:
Size and Fit
It comes as no surprise that 14 to 17% of dental professionals experience carpal tunnel syndrome—a rate significantly higher than for other professionals.[1] Wearing a well-fitting glove in the right size can help minimize possible injury as a result of repetitive motion.
Gloves that are too small or ill-fitting can cause hand fatigue and hand and wrist pain.[2],[3] Gloves that are too big reduce functionality and tactile sensitivity2 and increase the risk of contamination. Right-sized gloves are more comfortable, provide greater dexterity for precision tasks and ensure the most reliable protection.
Strength, Tear Resistance and Durability
Gloves need to offer sufficient strength and tear resistance during donning and use to maintain glove integrity and barrier function. Durability varies widely across brands[4], with many substandard imports failing to meet minimum ASTM requirements. While such gloves may cost less to purchase, they are not cost-effective, as they require frequent replacement due to tears or punctures, as well as additional time to repeat hand hygiene procedures with each change.
Stretch and Comfort
Adequate stretch allows gloves to extend without breaking during donning and allows unrestricted hand movement during use. A glove’s stretchability is a function of its material and manufacturing process.
Glove Material
While latex gloves offer the most flexibility, tactile sensitivity, comfort and fit, latex sensitivities and even life-threatening allergies have become increasingly common among both patients and dental personnel. As a result, most dental offices and clinics are using non-latex alternatives.
A popular latex alternative is nitrile. This synthetic material provides good stretchability, durability, comfort, and puncture and chemical resistance. Newer synthetic materials such as polychloroprene are becoming popular alternatives because their comfort and feel are very similar to that of latex, while offering the strength of nitrile as offered through Ocean Pacific NeoNatural gloves. Vinyl gloves are considered a “value” glove material that provides acceptable fit and chemical protection.
Wearing gloves for hours every day can cause dry, irritated skin. Gloves that contain lower levels of chemical accelerators can help reduce irritation, and gloves infused or coated with aloe or similar ingredients can help to promote skin health. In fact, study results show that the Ocean Pacific TruAloe glove and help improve hand hydration by 390% after just 12 days of use.*
Which Procedure Face Mask is Right for You?
Medical face masks are essential to protect against splashes, sprays and spatter. Like medical gloves, medical masks should not be selected based on price alone. Protecting patients and personnel requires that the type of procedure, as well as a mask’s breathability, fit, comfort, and skin compatibility be taken into consideration.
Fluid Resistance and Filtration Efficacy
The level of mask protection required varies by procedure and its anticipated volume of spray, splash and spatter. The ASTM rates mask protection as level 1, 2 or 3 based on fluid resistance, particulate filtration efficacy and bacterial filtration efficacy.
Fluid resistance refers to the level of protection against fluid penetration through the mask. It is measured at 80 mm Hg (low resistance; ASTM 1), 120 mm Hg (moderate; ASTM 2) and 160 mm Hg (high; ASTM 3). Particulate filtration efficacy (PFE) and bacterial filtration efficacy (BFE) indicate how well the mask filters out particulate matter (tested at a particle size of 0.1 microns) and microorganisms (tested at 3 microns). PFE and BFE are ≥95% for ASTM 1 masks and ≥98% for ASTM 2 and 3 masks. All ASTM-rated masks are Level 1 flame resistance. It is important to note that filtration efficacy varies by material and manufacturer.[5]
Breathability
ASTM-rated masks carry a breathability rating. For some wearers, it might be tempting to select an ASTM 1 mask to improve breathability instead of using an ASTM 3 mask when indicated. Rather than compromising on protection, it’s worth looking at different brands, since breathability can differ even among masks with the same rating. Certain masks, such as SafeMask® FreeFlow®, also include features to improve breathability, such as a built-in “air pocket” created by a special pleat design.
Fit
A mask that doesn’t fit doesn’t work. A face mask must fit snugly over the cheeks and nose and under the chin without any gaping at the edges. It should also stay securely in place. Poor fit increases the risk of microorganisms being transmitted to the wearer and from the wearer to the patient. Thankfully, there are options that provide a customizable fit for individual facial structures and personal preferences such as SafeMask® TailorMade™, which is designed with an adjustable nose and chin piece.
Comfort
A mask that feels comfortable is more likely to be worn. As such, proper fit, comfortable textures and good breathability increase mask compliance. A good fit also helps prevent eyewear from fogging. Some masks even have built-in anti-fog strips, such as SafeMask® FreeFlow®.
Skin Health and Sensitivity
For those with sensitive skin, masks such as SafeMask® SofSkin®, with its white, ultra-soft and dye-free inner layer, help reduce and/or eliminate skin irritation.
The What and Why of N-95 Respirators
By now, we are all familiar with NIOSH-certified N-95 respirators. These respirators have a filtration efficacy of ≥95% and are effective at preventing airborne transmission via aerosols. N-95 respirators are designed to provide a tight seal around the wearer’s face. N-95 users are required to participate in a respiratory program that includes fit testing and training to ensure optimal fit.
Respirator designs include duckbill, cone-shaped and other variations. The SafeMask® Architect Pro™ is an example of a duckbill-designed mask that offers the necessary fit and protection while providing comfort and breathability.
Conclusion
Not only can lower-quality gloves and masks provide inadequate protection, but they are also often less comfortable for the wearer, leading to decreased compliance, a higher incidence of infections and occupational risk. This can lead to significant costs associated with absenteeism, lost chair time and potential risk for the office or clinic.
Similar to other purchasing decisions, the adage that “you get what you pay for” holds true. However, with PPE, the stakes are higher because it can jeopardize your health and safety as well as those of your staff, your patients, and even your practice.
Ensure the safety you and your patients deserve by making product choices based on quality and comfort that promotes infection prevention and control compliance and best practice.
Medicom offers a complete range of premium quality medical examination gloves, surgical gloves, and procedure masks. Visit here to learn more.
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[1] Chenna et al. F1000Res. 2023 Jul 20;12:251. [2] Moog et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2020 Aug 8;57:281-286. [3] Valachi B. Hand pain in the dental practice: When it’s not carpal tunnel. Dental Products Report, Oct 2015. [4] Herkins and Cornish. Glob Chall. 2023 Aug 15;7(9):2300100. [5] Oberg and Brosseau. Am J Infect Control 2008;36(4):276-82.*Data on file.
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