Nitrile, latex, sterile, non-sterile — the glove system that keeps patients and staff safe.
Color coding helps staff instantly identify glove materials and purposes. Blue or purple gloves are usually nitrile, a synthetic rubber that resists tears and chemicals. Yellow or ivory gloves are often latex, which offers high sensitivity but can trigger allergies in patients and staff. We use these colors to prevent accidental exposure to allergens and to match the glove strength to the specific task.
Non-sterile gloves are used for routine tasks like checking blood pressure or physical exams. They are clean but not meant for procedures inside the body. Sterile gloves come in individual, sealed packages and are used for surgeries or inserting catheters. These prevent the introduction of germs into open wounds or sensitive body cavities.
Most hospitals have shifted to nitrile gloves as the primary option. Nitrile is a durable synthetic material that does not contain the proteins found in natural latex. This eliminates the risk of a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction for patients with latex allergies. They also provide a clear visual indicator if the glove is punctured or torn during use.
Healthcare workers must change gloves between every patient interaction to stop cross-contamination. Staff also change them when moving from a dirty task to a clean one on the same patient. You will see us toss gloves in the trash and perform hand hygiene immediately afterward. This consistent rotation is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections.