Endotoxin contamination of single-use sterile surgical gloves

Aim: Strict endotoxin limits are enforced for implants and catheters inserted into the body. However, no standard limit has been set for single-use sterile surgical gloves. Materials & methods: Four types of gloves sold in Japan were dipped in saline and that endotoxin levels were measured. Cytokine producing activity of gloves in blood was also measured. Results: Three of the four types of gloves showed endotoxin contamination. We also confirmed an increase in cytokine production in these gloves except one glove in which anionic surfactants was found. Conclusion: The extent to which detected endotoxins enter the body during surgery is controversial, but strict endotoxin limits need to be established.