Disinfection of gloved hands during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Disinfection of gloves can be used during a pandemic situation when performing various procedures on the same patient or when removing personal protective equipment. If performing glove disinfection, there is a need to check the compatibility of gloves with the disinfectant product used. AIM: To test the resistance of nitrile gloves to various disinfectant solutions. METHODS: One hundred percent powder-free nitrile gloves, composed of nitrile butadiene rubber compounds, were exposed to various disinfectants to analyse resistance. The seven most commonly used disinfectant solutions in the healthcare field were selected for testing. The effects of each disinfectant were analysed in comparison with the control group (untreated glove). For tensile testing, the thickness of each test specimen was measured with a micrometer. FINDINGS: Bleach solution decreased the breaking load of gloves, although to a lesser extent than disinfectants that contained ethanol. CONCLUSION: Disinfectants that contain alcohol decrease the breaking load of nitrile gloves.