The primary function of a medical glove is to act as a physical shield. Historically, natural rubber latex was the standard due to its excellent elasticity and "second-skin" feel. However, the rise of Type I latex allergies among both patients and staff led to a major shift toward synthetic alternatives. Nitrile gloves, made from a synthetic rubber, have become the preferred choice in many clinical settings because they offer superior puncture resistance and a high level of protection against a wide range of chemicals and oils, while being completely latex-free.
Surgical gloves represent the highest tier of this category. Unlike standard examination gloves, surgical versions are anatomically shaped (left and right-handed) to reduce hand fatigue during long procedures. They must also meet much stricter standards for "Acceptable Quality Level" (AQL), which measures the probability of pinhole defects. Many surgeons utilize "double-gloving" protocols, often with a colored under-glove, to provide an…