Nitrile, Latex, and Vinyl Glove Permeability Testing using Serratia marcescens

Introduction: The need for increased vigilance in standard practices become more critical as diseases become more prevalent in society. The use of gloves is perceived as an effective barrier by which infectious agents are prevented from spreading between patient and provider. It is assumed that different types of gloves provide the same protection and that one pair of gloves will provide a constant amount of protection independent of length or type of procedure, based on standard practices.

Objectives: Our aim was to test the effectiveness of commonly used latex, nitrile, vinyl gloves as a barrier protection during standard dental procedures and for varying lengths of time.

Methods: Non-sterile vinyl, latex, and nitrile gloves (N = 50 used per group) were collected from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry clinics. The gloves were worn for varying lengths of time (0-90 minutes) during a variety of standard dental procedures. Serrratia marcescens bacteria (16 µm) was used to test for permeability. Growth was detected after 48 hours and measured and compared with controls (N = 10 per group).

Results: The used gloves tested were of four groups: Nitrile (Kimberly Clark), Nitrile (Medichoice), Latex (Criterion) and Vinyl (Kimberly Clark). For used gloves, 4% Nitrile (KC), 18% Nitrile (MC), 10% Latex and 56% Vinyl showed permeability. For the controls, 0% of Nitrile (KC and MC), 1% Latex and 3% Vinyl showed permeability. There was no correlation shown between time worn or finger type and permeability.

Conclusions: Nitrile and Latex gloves were significantly less permeable than vinyl gloves. There was some variation depending on the manufacturers. Used gloves showed more permeability than unused gloves, although no specific time pattern was demonstrated. It is suggested that more standardization measures are required for quality control as this is important in protecting the health of the community.