There are various types of laboratory gloves that are used for different applications in science labs. But the most commonly used are nitrile and latex gloves. Each has its own uses and advantages. Before you make the choice between the two, it is important to understand their attributes in detail.
Nitrile Gloves
These gloves are made of synthetic material. Stretchy, durable and highly chemical-resistant, they are mainly used for protection against chemicals, viruses and infectious materials. If you suffer from latex allergies, nitrile laboratory gloves are an ideal option. They have a high puncture resistance and fall under medical grade which makes them superior to other gloves. They are preferred by people who have to work for extended periods of time in science labs because of their long shelf life. These gloves are a great fit because they can mould to hand easily. Usually, they are available in black or blue colours so that the user can spot the punctures easily. Nitrile gloves are more expensive than the latex variant. They are also non-biodegradable.
Latex Gloves
These gloves are made from natural rubber which makes them biodegradable. They are known to offer the maximum level of comfort, fit, flexibility and tactile sensitivity. If the nature of your work exposes you to bacteria or viruses, you can consider buying latex gloves. They are lightly powdered which makes them easier to wear and fit your hand like a second skin. They offer more strength, comfort and a firm grip over nitrile gloves. However, latex gloves can cause allergies and rashes on the skin if you are sensitive to the material. Moreover, they do not offer adequate protection against solvents. Latex gloves are a cheaper option as compared to nitrile gloves. But, you may not want to buy them if skin allergy and lack of solvent resistance matter are under consideration.
Related Article: Importance of wearing gloves in a laboratory
It is advisable to weigh the pros and cons of both types of gloves before making the final purchase. If you are looking for latex and nitrile gloves for science laboratory Australia, please contact us. We are giving 20% discount on gloves for the month of October 2018.
