Surgical and medical gloves are prevalently used for a wide variety of medical practices and examinations. They play an indispensable role in protecting the arms from different types of infecting microbes that might get transferred between the doctor and the patient during medical operations. Since the 1980s, using protection gloves like these have become the mainstay in medical practices throughout the world. Due to the different factors and conditions playing a key role in medical practice, a wide range of surgical and medical gloves have been developed for protective reasons.

Each of the various types of protective gloves are characterized their very own salient features. Medical gloves are safety gloves that should be always used while carrying out different types of medical works and contagious surgical procedures. Physicians employ them for all types of medical procedures that bring them in contact with the tissues that lie deep within the skin. Gloves that are made out of latex are by far the best varieties of medical and surgical gloves, as they are characterized by a natural elasticity, great durability and sensitivity, and are known to provide a relaxed sensation. However, these gloves are also much more costly than the vinyl fabric gloves. They are also prone to cause latex sensitive reaction, which is a serious skin problem. In order to combat this issue, a new form of artificial rubber-like material called €nitrile€ has been manufactured now. This new material has properties that are just like latex. The gloves that are made out of nitrile are much less likely to give rise to allergies. Medical safety gloves also yield to easy recycling. While doing so, the gloves must be properly examined for cuts or tears before they are processed finally for the last time.

Unlike surgical gloves, the examination gloves are mainly used for carrying out routine work and regular examinations in the midst of which they may come into contact with epidermis and mucous membrane. These gloves are generally constructed of vinyl fabric; an artificial substance that is low cost and can be made very quickly. Although the vinyl fabric is not as elastic as latex, the gloves are generally created as loose-fitting and so can be easily taken off. Sometimes, when examination gloves of a higher quality are required, they are made out of nitrile or latex and can be obtained from healthcare shops. These gloves are quite slim and they should not be recycled for future use.