What is the difference between sterile and non-sterile gloves?
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SummaryBackgroundHealthcare professionals should consider environmental sustainability when using personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the most frequently used items of PPE in medical settings are gloves. AimThis study aims to quantify the environmental impact of sterile versus non-sterile gloves using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. MethodsThis study used three glove types: non-sterile gloves and sterile gloves (latex and latex-free). Sixteen different environmental impact categories were used to demonstrate the impact of each glove type. FindingsNon-sterile gloves had the least environmental impact in all categories. The two types of sterile gloves, non-latex (synthetic rubber) and latex (natural rubber), performed similarly, although the non-latex gloves had a greater impact on ozone depletion, mineral use and ionizing radiation. For climate change impact, sterile latex gloves were 11.6 times higher than non-sterile gloves. This study found that for both sterile type gloves (latex and non-latex), the manufacture of the gloves contributes to the most considerable environmental impact, with an average of 64.37% for sterile latex gloves and 60.48% for non-latex sterile gloves. ConclusionUsing the LCA methodology, this study quantitatively demonstrated the environmental impact of sterile versus non-sterile gloves. IntroductionEnvironmental sustainability continues to be one of the greatest challenges of this era. Multiple initiatives, goals and ambitious plans have been set in recent years to fight climate change [1,2]. The global healthcare sector is responsible for around 5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [3]. Healthcare sectors that strive to improve individuals' health and quality of life are indirectly harming it. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) contributes to more than 4% of the overall GHG emissions produced in England (two-thirds of which comes from medical equipment and supply chains) [4]. The NHS has now set up an ambitious long-term plan towards sustainability [4]. One of the main goals to be reached is for the NHS to reduce its GHG emissions by 80% from 2028 to 2032 [4]. One way of increasing sustainability is through procurement of more sustainable consumables. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential consumable used by the healthcare sector, with gloves accounting for a significant proportion [5]. It is estimated that, globally, more than 150 billion pairs of medical gloves are produced each year, with a market value of more than $5 billion [6]. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a surge in PPE demand, with an estimated 11% increase in the global production of gloves [7]. According to recent statistics by the Department of Health and Social Care, almost six billion gloves were distributed to health and social care services from February 2020 to March 2021 [8]. There are two main types of medical gloves used in healthcare, sterile and non-sterile gloves. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations on medical glove use, sterile gloves are primarily used during surgical procedures, while non-sterile gloves are mainly used during contact with blood, body fluids, secretions and skin [9]. Whilst non-sterile gloves are not used for surgical procedures, sterile gloves can be used (and are used) sometimes for non-surgical procedures. To assess the environmental impact of a specific product or item, the Coalition for Sustainable Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (CSPM) recommends the utilization of life-cycle assessment (LCA) [10]. It assesses the environmental impact associated with all stages of a product's life from the extraction of raw materials, machinery used during manufacturing, distribution, transportation used, to the disposal method. In light of the quantity of gloves utilized in the medical field, this study aims to quantify the environmental impact of sterile versus non-sterile gloves using the LCA methodology. Section snippetsFunctional unitThe functional unit in this study was an individual clinician using one pair of non-powdered, medium-sized gloves for a healthcare procedure. The following types of gloves were compared: (1) medium, latex-free (nitrile), non-sterile gloves; (2) size 7 latex, sterile gloves; and (3) size 7, non-latex, sterile gloves. The products chosen were based on those currently in use at University College Hospital London (UCLH). The exact brands have been anonymized. System boundariesThe entire product system was considered, LCIAThe LCIA results for each of the three glove types are shown in Figure 2. Non-sterile gloves had the least environmental impact in all categories (colour-coded in green), with the impact of the sterile latex gloves measuring at least five times the amount of the non-sterile gloves. For climate change, the impact of a pair of sterile gloves was over 11 times greater than that of the non-sterile gloves (11.6 for latex, 11.8 for non-latex). Latex and non-latex sterile gloves produced similar LCIA DiscussionIn this study, the LCA methodology was utilized to quantify the environmental impact of sterile versus non-sterile gloves. Overall, non-sterile examination gloves had the least environmental impact in all categories. Substituting latex sterile with non-sterile gloves would save at least 80% of the environmental impact in all categories. The two types of surgical sterile gloves – non-latex (synthetic rubber) and latex (natural rubber) – performed similarly, although the non-latex gloves had a Conflict of interest statementThe authors declare no conflicts of interest. Funding sourceNone.
References (18)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article. Cited by (4)Recommended articles (6)© 2021 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. What is the difference between nonSurgical gloves have a lower AQL than non-sterile gloves, with sterile gloves AQL at 1.0 to 1.5 and non-sterile gloves AQL at 1.5 to 2.5. The number refers to the gloves in the sample that will have pinholes. So, for example, about 1.5 to 2.5% of the non-sterile sample gloves would have a pinhole.
What is nonNon-sterile gloves are suitable for aseptic procedures such as contact with mucous membranes, body secretions, excretions, blood, body fluids, and even surfaces contaminated by bodily fluids.
What is the difference between sterile gloves and regular gloves?Sterile gloves have a stricter Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of 1.0 to 1.5 AQL, meaning 1%-1.5% will have pinholes. Non-sterile gloves can have an AQL from 1.5 to 2.5, with up to 2.5% of gloves containing pinholes. Another difference is in the cost.
When should you use sterile gloves?Sterile means gloves that are free of all viable microorganisms. Sterile procedure/exam gloves may be used during non-surgical procedures that access sterile sites (e.g., urinary catheterization, acute wounds). Sterile gloves protect both the wearer and the patient from contamination.
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