Increasingly, professional nursing groups are recommending the use of non-latex gloves in the clinical setting.7-10 Among the recommendations of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for reducing latex-induced reactions while protecting staff from infectious contamination is substituting non-latex products where appropriate.11 Reducing the use of latex gloves makes a strong statement to current- and future employees that the safety and working conditions of the staff are of the utmost importance.

One alternative to latex is vinyl, an option that can work from a cost perspective, but comes with considerable drawbacks. Vinyl has a much higher failure rate, from 12 to 61 percent in one study, adding substantially to workplace risk for healthcare staff in moderate to high-risk situations.12 Contrast that with nitrile, with a failure rate of 1 to 3 percent, and latex with a failure rate of 0 to 4 percent.13 Because of this, a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control recommended nitrile as the glove of choice for high-risk situations such as exposure to bloodborne pathogens and found nitrile gloves a suitable hospital-wide standard.14

Although the case for converting to nitrile makes clinical and economic sense, like anyone else, healthcare workers can be resistant to change. However, a smooth transition can be readily accomplished. Here’s how hospitals and other facilities can effect a smooth conversion to nitrile.

When an unfamiliar product is introduced, healthcare workers might suspect the change is a cost-cutting measure or a vendor contract issue. Make a point to answer the question – why is this change necessary? Enlist the help of communications personnel or conduct in-service gatherings to convey the need to create a safer clinical environment for staff and patients.

Despite the availability of nitrile gloves that have a very similar fit and feel to latex, it is important to publicly acknowledge that caregivers will notice a difference. However, caregivers can be reassured that, from a performance standpoint, nitrile and latex perform equally well.15 And while nitrile may be something new, it is often preferred over latex16.

Clinicians want to know that the nitrile product will provide the same protective qualities as latex. It typically takes only a week for staff to adjust to the change. Revisit areas where problems might have occurred in two weeks to follow up with staff. Also, share testing data on nitrile gloves to demonstrate that clinical expectations will be met. Data are available showing nitrile performs comparably to rubber latex in barrier protection while possessing the characteristics of natural rubber latex.17

To fully realize the quality and safety benefits of converting to nitrile, ensure that the transition is complete and uniform in the facility. If latex products are still stocked while nitrile products are being introduced, the possibility of a latex-allergic reaction is still present. In a busy clinical environment, different products of the same color can create confusion and problems. Making nitrile the standard barrier glove eliminates gloves as a source of latex allergy reactions. Standardizing also decreases costs and waste by reducing the number of SKU’s in a hospital.