Hi all,
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I came across a useful article by the Royal College of Nursing, regarding the use of powdered surgical gloves, and in particular the use of powdered latex gloves. For those of you out there still using such gloves, the article is worth a read.
The document identified the dangers of talc inside procedural gloves, and stated that concerns led to corn starch being used instead.
However, there have been reported cases of granulomas forming after surgery, being caused by the use of corn starch in gloves, in addition to delayed wound healing, the promotion of bacterial growth and adhesions.
With latex gloves, the powder is thought to bind with the latex protein to form an airborne allergen, when the gloves are applied and removed. The powder can then be inhaled by not only the user but the patient and any one else in the near vicinity. The dust produced can also settle on furniture and other surfaces, which may be touched by individuals; presenting an increased risk of latex induced allergy to who ever comes into contact with it, and this can produce an adverse reaction in someone who has been sensitised to the substance.
The use of latex gloves is fast becoming obsolete , but with private practitioners on the increase, it is evident that the use of powdered (and powdered latex) gloves can still be obtained from a variety of sources. Additionally, there may still be some NHS departments which have such gloves in use. It is therefore vital to inform practitioners so that they can influence change in their workplace/practice. The RCN offers the following advice to individuals who work in an environment where powdered /latex gloves are supplied for use :
‘Your employer is required to provide you with suitable personal protective equipment, and you should request latex gloves that are powder-free - your right to these is protected by health and safety legislation. Latex gloves should contain only very low levels of protein and accelerators - glove suppliers can provide you with information about the protein in their products.’ Extracted from RCN online document The Dangers of Glove Powder RCN 2009
http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/l...with_glove_powder/the_dangers_of_glove_powder
Naturally, all practitioners should look at their policies and procedures laid down by their membership body, but should not be afraid to highlight concerns to their employer/membership body, if it does not take into account latest research into glove use...?
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