Disposable gloves are so ubiquitous in both medical and non-medical settings that it’s difficult to think of a time when they did not exist. Since their introduction in the late 1880s, gloves have evolved from simple hand protection against chemical exposure to become an integral part of infection prevention.
Early rubber gloves
Rubber surgical gloves, the predecessor to modern disposable gloves, were first introduced in 1889 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Produced by the Goodyear Rubber Company, these rubber gloves were intended to protect surgical staff against irritating chemicals used in the operating room. At the time, the connection between hand hygiene and infection prevention was not well understood, so these early surgical gloves were not sterile.
The first disposable gloves were introduced in 1965. By this time, the pioneering efforts of Joseph Lister had led to the discovery that many surgical fatalities were the result of infections that arose from non-sterile operating conditions. These new rubber disposable gloves were sterilized using gamma irradiation.
The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
The HIV epidemic of the 1980s prompted the development of the Bloodborne Pathogen standard. This set of health hazard standards was released by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration in 1992 and was designed to increase awareness of disease transmission through bodily fluids. These standards required employers to provide personal protective equipment, including disposable hand protection, to employees that were exposed to bodily fluids as a part of their work tasks.
Disposable nitrile gloves
Nitrile gloves were developed during the mid-1990s as an alternative to disposable latex gloves. Nitrile gloves were originally marketed for their superior chemical resistance, but as latex allergies became more prevalent, they also became known as a suitable latex alternative. Advances in technology led to the development of thinner, more pliable nitrile gloves that have the fit and flexibility of a traditional latex glove.
Future trends in glove technology
The need for more comfortable, low-irritation hand protection continues to drive advances in glove technology. Ventyv™ is an international glove manufacturing company proud to be a part of this advance. Our Ventyv™ Menagerie of gloves employs the latest technology to provide you with the most comfortable hand protection without sacrificing durability and chemical resistance.
We can’t wait for you to meet Ventyv™ Walrus, the lightest in our line of latex-free nitrile examination gloves. The natural fit of these durable gloves permits unrestricted hand movements and reduces hand fatigue—perfect for your medical, dental, lab and veterinary needs.
Ready to order? Contact us here or call us at 1.888.4Ventyv and ask for it by name!
For more information on the whole Ventyv™ Menagerie click here.
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