ECRI Recommends Lower-Protein Latex Gloves

ECRI formally (Emergency Care Research Institute), a non-profit health research company and the world's largest independent evaluator of biomedical equipment, recommends that to reduce latex sensitivity among hospital staff, hospitals turn to latex medical gloves with lower protein and powder levels rather than opting for the facility-wide use of synthetic alternatives.

ECRI specifically suggests that hospitals choose gloves with protein levels printed on their labeling, or bearing the SMG seal, because these gloves are guaranteed to have controlled low-protein levels - especially the powder-free variety. (Health Devices, May 2004, Vol. 33(5), 169-174.).

ECRI also notes that latex gloves have well-established barrier properties and a level of comfort that most clinicians prefer. "Currently, synthetic gloves still fall short in these areas," it reports.

ECRI explains the problems that are caused by latex sensitivity -- ranging from a localized skin reaction to anaphylaxis, a systematic reaction. While lower-protein latex gloves have long been suspected to lower the number of allergic reactions among healthcare staff, the group says, "recent research has confirmed that this is, in fact, the case."

ECRI also states that some users may have reactions, though less severe, to gloves made from synthetic materials such as nitrile, isoprene, block copolymers, or vinyl. In addition, vinyl gloves are not suitable for many settings. ECRI says that if workers come in contact with biological hazards such as blood, vinyl should be avoided because of its tendency to tear more often during use than other glove materials.

ECRI recommends that hospitals purchase gloves with protein levels that are as low as possible, using the protein levels printed on their labeling or the Standard Malaysian Glove (SMG) label as a guide.