Powdered gloves: Time to bid adieu

S Srinivasan 
 Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore

Correspondence Address:
S Srinivasan
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Singapore

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I read the article on powdered gloves by Baid and Agarwal with interest.[1] The authors have highlighted the hazards of the powder in the gloves and the need for a ban of powdered gloves. Awareness of the harmful effects of powdered gloves among healthcare workers in Asia is still low. Powdered gloves usually contain cornstarch powder which is added as a donning agent. The powder adsorbs the latex particles and behaves as a carrier, which predisposes to allergy.[2] The amount of powder used in gloves varies. Some of the gloves used in hospitals and health centres in India have very high powder content [Figure 1].{Figure 1}

Alternatives to powdered latex gloves [Figure 2]a include nonpowdered latex gloves [Figure 2]b and nonlatex gloves. The various types of gloves are listed in [Table 1]. Nonpowdered latex gloves are a suitable alternative for healthcare workers who do not have latex allergy. Sterile nitrile gloves are not widely available. Nitrile and vinyl gloves are usually used in nonsterile setting. Nitrile gloves [Figure 2]c are highly resistant to tear. They are usually blue or black in color, and if there is a needle puncture, it is easily visible. Vinyl gloves (not shown) are usually transparent and fit loosely. For people with latex allergy, sterile nitrile gloves are the glove of choice; vinyl gloves can be worn in nonsterile environment and when handling nonhazardous material.{Figure 2}{Table 1}

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