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Medgluv educates everyone about choices, issues,
developments and cost-cutting in the glove market place.
We address the hazards, glove quality and safety issues.
Our priority is the concern of the end users, customers,
distributors and the reputation of their business.
The History of Rubber
Natural
rubber latex is a processed plant product derived almost
exclusively from trees found in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Rubber was originated from Brazil from the rubber tree,
Hevea Brasiliensis. Brazil, no longer plays any significant
part in the world natural rubber (NR) trade. Seeds were
exported from Brazil to London in 1876 and germinated at
Kew Gardens.
That same year, Sir Henry Wickham collected about seventy
thousand rubber tree seeds in Brazil and took them to the
East Indies where he started rubber plantations. In 1877,
an American named Chapman Mitchell learned to recycle used
rubber into new products.
There is only one kind of natural rubber. Because the rubber
plant only thrives in hot, damp regions near the equator,
currently 90% of true rubber production occurs in the Southeast
Asian countries of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Indonesia's
production has dropped in recent years and new plantations
were started in Africa to take up the slack.
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Tapping of Latex Rubber
All natural rubber originates in the Hevea tree. It starts
its journey when the tree is tapped. It is very rare that
trees are tapped twice a day. The journey begins at dawn
when the tapper treks around the plantation. The tapper
uses a sharp knife to shave off the thinnest from the intact
section of the bark. The cut must not be made too thick
or deep. This will reduce the productive life of the tree.
On completion of his rounds of section tapping, the tapper
returns and collects the stuff in the cup, either a cup
lump or latex, which usually finishes at noon. In most circumstances,
the latex will coagulates into a lump in the bottom of the
cup. Ammonia is usually added to prevent the latex from
coagulating.
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At dawn, cut is made
for new flow of latex |
Latex then
flows into a cup |
Coagulation
begins in a pan |
To process solid rubber, the cup lump and other remains
of the latex flow are collected together and processed.
It is heated intensely and destroy most of the proteins
and solid rubber is formed. Based on certain method of processing
and the final purity of the material, it is usually referred
as sheet rubber or technically specified rubber.
Latex is gathered on the tapper's return journey and poured
into containers. They are then delivered to a processing
station, where is is strained and concentrated. At no process
is the latex heated, which means that the protein remains
in the latex.
More stabilizer is added and the latex goes into a centrifuge
to remove some of the water and increase the rubber content
of the latex. Latex concentrate is formed which contains
about 60% of solid rubber and 40 % of water, proteins and
other contents. This latex concentrate is what used in the
dipping process when making gloves.
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The Right Choice of Glove
 The
most important decision concerning healthcare workers, or
professionals in the medical and dental industry today is
the right choice of glove. When selecting examination gloves,
we must always consider the following below.
Protection & Health
This should be the prime reason that we wear gloves.
Always choose the gloves that best protect you for performing
your functions or task. On your daily routine, you may be
in contact with any blood form or other substances, one
should wear good quality examination gloves.
Comfort & Fit
Gloves are for your protection as well as a comfort
fit. Based upon history, due to the high level of elasticity
and memory, latex gloves fit the users hands very well.
Based on the manufacturer and region, nitrile gloves vary
in softness and flexibility. Some are comfortable and do
fit well, whereas others may not be flexible and are stiff.
Vinyl gloves are inherently soft and comfortable and are
looser fit.
Concerns on Allergy
Within the last few years, the healthcare industry have
been monitoring the concern on allergies . It is highly
recommended to avoid all latex products altogether if you
have a sensitivity to latex. If you choose to use latex
gloves, it is recommended that you choose powder free latex
gloves with a reduced protein content. Synthetic vinyl and
nitrile gloves are now readily available.
Studies have proven that if you contact Type IV Chemical
Hypersensitivity, switching from latex gloves to non-latex
gloves may not alleviate the situation. Chemicals are added
in the process of manufacturing latex and non-latex gloves.
Quality versus Cost
Our main concern is recommending the usage of quality
of gloves. Question of cost over quality have been the main
issue. The cheapest gloves may not function too well, or
should you choose the most expensive gloves available? One
must consider the above factors when choosing gloves, and
then select the acceptable quality standards at the best
value you can get.
Latex and vinyl gloves are generally very affordable. Nitrile
gloves and other synthetic gloves are usually more costly.
For more educational information on latex, please
view: http://www.latexglove.info
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Types of Gloves
Latex Examination Gloves
Made from natural rubber latex. Good chemical resistance
to acids, alkalis and detergents. Latex film provides excellent
flexibility and tear resistant. Biodegradable and environmental
friendly. It is highly preferred by end-users for it's supple
feel and touch. It provides extent barrier protection against
any blood form and other substances or biohazards. Excellent
comfort and feel. Latex has superior elasticity and tensile
strength. Latex examination gloves are generally very affordable
Vinyl Examination Gloves
Made from Poly Vinyl Chloride ( PVC ). Used primarily for
institutional uses in the hotel and restaurant industry
such as housekeeping, kitchen and food preparation. Soft
vinyl formulation gives greater comfort, and is more flexible
and dexterous to wear. Ideal for individuals who are sensitive
to natural rubber proteins. Natural translucent color with
a relaxed and comfortable fit that feels like a second skin.
Good chemical resistance to acids and bases. Anti static
properties. Rolled cuffed for extra cuff strength, easier
donning and increased protection against chemical droplet.
It is less elastic than latex glove and tend to fit loosely.
They are generally very affordable.
Nitrile Examination Gloves
Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic polymer that
exhibits rubber like characteristics when vulcanized. The
polymer is made in the form of a latex or emulsion and can
be used or processed very much like natural rubber latex.
It is made from synthetic rubber that contains no natural
rubber latex proteins. Suitable for end-users who are sensitive
to natural rubber proteins.
Better stress relaxation for better comfort and less fatigue
especially during long donning period. High resistance to
a wide range of toxic chemicals and solvents, especially
to hydrocarbons, oils and fats. High abrasion and puncture
resistance. Very durable, excellent strength and flexibility.
Good barrier properties. It is well noted for it's resistance
to oil. It is less comfortable fit and less elastic than
natural rubber. Nitrile gloves and other synthetic gloves
are usually more costly.
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The Manufacturing Process
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Note
Please be advised that all information referred in these
pages are intended for educational purposes and knowledge
all users our our existing products appropriate for
protection defense against blood borne pathogens. All educational
information and knowledge contained herein are based on
technical information gathered we believed
to be reliable. The educational material gathered maybe
revised as additional data is analyzed and evaluated. Medgluv
Incorporated assumes no obligation and
reliability resulting from use of these information, nor
does it warranty the accuracy of the information as referred
to herein.
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