Sterile Surgical Gloves / Surgeon Gloves

Disposable surgical gloves provide a protective barrier between the professional(s) and the patient during surgical procedures. This prevents possible cross-contamination, which can result in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Surgical gloves offer maximum tactile sensitivity, and are therefore used for procedures which require extreme precision and accuracy. 

What’s the Difference Between Surgical Gloves & Exam Gloves?

Surgeon gloves and examination gloves are not synonymous. While both gloves are medical grade gloves, surgical gloves are specifically designed for surgeons, who are involved in tasks which require more precision and accuracy. For this reason, surgeon gloves are more touch-sensitive than exam gloves. Furthermore, exam gloves can be either sterile or non-sterile, but surgeon gloves are almost always sterile. Because of their sterility, these gloves are packaged in individual pairs. Surgical gloves sizes are also more exact than exam glove sizing. Lastly, because surgical gloves are generally worn for longer periods at a time and are used in situations where dexterity can be crucial, they are designed to be of better quality, resulting in their being more flexible and more durable than exam gloves.

To sum it up, the main differences between surgical and examination gloves are that surgical gloves feature:

• Excellent tactile sensitivity
• Sterility
• Precise sizing
• Improved flexibility
• High durability

What are Sterile Surgical Gloves?

Sterile gloves are mostly used by surgeons and those assisting in surgeries. These gloves have been sterilized according to FDA standards. They have the highest accepted quality level (AQL) of all gloves, usually between 1.0 and 1.5. Sterilization techniques used during the sterilization process are very powerful, and can kill highly resistant microorganisms. 

Sterile gloves have the lowest susceptibility of all gloves to pinholes. An AQL of 1.0 means that pinholes were found in 1% or less of this batch, and an AQL of 1.5 means that no more than 2.5% of the batch has pinholes. Exam gloves, in contrast, can have an AQL of 1.5 to 2.5.

Following the sterilization process, the gloves are tested to make sure they are on-par with the FDA’s standard assurance level (SAL) for sterilized gloves.

Sterile gloves can be more expensive than non-sterile gloves. Therefore, many healthcare workers choose to wear non-sterile gloves for low-risk procedures.

Types of Surgeon Gloves

Long Surgical Gloves: Sterile long surgical gloves provide medical professionals with more coverage. They feature an extended cuff, which prevents liquids from getting inside the glove. Long surgical gloves are often used for highly sensitive procedures.

Surgical Gloves with Beaded Cuffs: Most surgeon gloves feature beaded cuffs, which allow for easier application and removal. They also help the glove to stay in place and fit snugly on the hand.

Latex Surgical Gloves: Latex surgical gloves are the standard surgical gloves used in the medical industry. These gloves have the finest touch sensitivity. 

Nitrile Surgical Gloves: These are most commonly used as an alternative to latex surgical gloves. They are created from a synthetic substance, and used when latex gloves are not an option.

Neoprene Surgical Gloves: Neoprene surgical gloves are another popular alternative for medical professionals who are allergic to latex. Neoprene surgical gloves can sometimes feature a nitrile coating. 

Sterile Surgical Gloves: As mentioned previously, nearly all surgery gloves are sterile. These gloves have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they are fit for use by medical professionals during surgery. 

Popular Choices of Surgical Gloves

Biogel Surgical Gloves

Biogel surgical gloves are a top choice of sterile surgical gloves. These latex gloves feature a unique Biogel coating on the inner surface, which soothes the skin, keeps it moisturized, and makes donning gloves a smooth process even when one’s hands are damp. 

Biogel gloves are powder free, as per FDA regulations. With an AQL of 0.65, these surgeon gloves are a top-quality sterile option for medical professionals. 

Cardinal Health Surgical Gloves

Like Biogel surgical gloves, Cardinal Health surgical gloves have an AQL of 0.65, an AQL which exceeds the industry standard by a significant percentage. Their gloves are comfortable and reliable. There are many different options when it comes to Cardinal Health surgical gloves; choose from brown surgical gloves with a hydrogel inner coating, blue surgical gloves that can be used for double-gloving, and gloves in many other shads, with lots of different features.

Where to Buy Surgical Gloves

If you’re looking for surgical gloves that offer excellent instrument grip and durability, you’ve come to the right place. AvaCare Medical carries white surgical gloves, latex surgical gloves, and many other varieties of surgical gloves. Find the best surgical gloves for sale at AvaCare Medical today!