There are a few key considerations when deciding to use sterile vs. non-sterile gloves. You might think it’s best to play it safe and always use sterile gloves, but that may not always be the case. Sterile gloves are clean from all bacteria. However, sterile gloves are generally more expensive than non-sterile. This means that the intended use of the gloves will be the deciding factor in which gloves you select. Choosing between sterile or non-sterile gloves requires understanding what they’ll be used for and whether it is cost-appropriate.

Why Choose Sterile Gloves?

Surgeons use latex sterile gloves to prevent contaminating anything during an operation. Sterile gloves are packaged separately with an expiration date, as opposed to non-sterile gloves that come together in a box. A special cleaning process removes any loose latex from the gloves after they are molded. Sterile gloves cease to be sterile once they touch anything. They are the safest way to prevent contamination. Sterile gloves are the best option for conducting medical or scientific research because they are most effective at preserving true results.

When Non-Sterile Gloves are Sufficient

Sterile gloves may not always be necessary. Studies have shown that non-sterile gloves are also very effective at preventing infection and can achieve results close to sterilized gloves. Many first responders, nurses and other people in the medical field use clean, non-sterile gloves to save on cost because they go through so many pairs of gloves every day. Each patient contact requires new gloves, so less-expensive non-sterile gloves are preferable. Some studies even indicate that there is no higher risk of infection between sterile vs. non-sterile gloves.

Sterile gloves are the best protection against contamination during surgery, medical tests, scientific research, and other sensitive procedures. They help ensure results are as pure as possible, and no foreign objects enter the equation. However, they aren’t necessary for all situations. Non-sterile gloves have serious benefits as well. They prevent infections and avoid coming into unwanted contact with bodily fluids. Whatever your needs are regarding sterile vs. non-sterile gloves, AAA Wholesale has a wide variety of products in stock that can help. Visit our site today to check out our wide selection of protective medical products.