What material should gloves be made from while handling patients?

When handling patients, gloves made from latex-free material are recommended due to the increasing prevalence of latex allergies among individuals in healthcare settings, both patients and healthcare workers. Latex can provoke allergic reactions ranging from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic responses. Choosing latex-free gloves, such as those made from nitrile or neoprene, minimizes this risk and ensures safety for everyone involved.

This selection aligns with best practices for infection control in medical environments. It supports not only the health and safety of patients but also protects healthcare personnel from potential allergies or sensitivity reactions. Additionally, latex-free materials tend to offer comparable levels of durability and protection against pathogens, making them suitable for various clinical tasks. Thus, latex-free gloves are the most appropriate choice for patient handling in modern healthcare.