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Microbial penetration of gloves following usage in routine dental procedures
V A Merchant1, J A Molinari, T Pickett
1University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry.
Abstract:
Unsterile polyvinyl, regular latex, and powder-free, modified latex examination gloves were evaluated following usage in routine dental procedures to assess their loss of integrity. Glove fingers were filled with a suspension of red-pigmented Serratia marcescens and drawn across the surface of tryptic soy agar plates. The appearance of red-pigmented Serratia colonies on the plates was used as an indication of glove defects. Unused, unwashed gloves taken at random from boxes served as controls. Of the gloves used in clinical procedures, 83.3% of the polyvinyl gloves, 35.0% of the regular latex gloves, and 7.5% of the powder-free, modified latex gloves allowed penetration of Serratia. Data thus suggest that advances in technology continue to develop a glove with more resistance than regular latex and vinyl gloves to routine clinical usage.
Insights
Powder-free, modified latex gloves demonstrated superior integrity during dental procedures compared to standard latex and vinyl gloves. These advanced gloves offer better protection against microbial penetration in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dental professionals rely on examination gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
- Assessing glove integrity after clinical use is crucial for infection control.
- Previous studies indicate variability in barrier protection among different glove materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the integrity of polyvinyl, regular latex, and powder-free modified latex examination gloves after routine dental procedures.
- To compare the defect rates of different glove types when exposed to microbial challenges.
Main Methods:
- Gloved hands were tested for integrity by filling fingers with a bacterial suspension (Serratia marcescens) and plating.
- Penetration of bacteria onto agar plates indicated glove defects.
- Unused gloves served as controls.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of gloves showed defects after use: 83.3% for polyvinyl, 35.0% for regular latex, and 7.5% for powder-free modified latex.
- Powder-free, modified latex gloves exhibited the lowest rate of microbial penetration.
Conclusions:
- Powder-free, modified latex gloves offer enhanced resistance to penetration compared to polyvinyl and regular latex gloves during dental procedures.
- Technological advancements are improving the protective capabilities of examination gloves for clinical use.