Disposable gloves are part of daily practice in healthcare, dental care and laboratory environments. They create a protective barrier between professionals, patients, biological fluids, microorganisms and potentially harmful substances.
For healthcare professionals, choosing the right glove is surely about comfort, but also affects hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, skin compatibility and compliance with medical and safety standards. Therefore, a glove used in a medical setting must be selected according to the procedure, the level of exposure, the material and the required certifications.
Reflexx offers a complete range of healthcare gloves developed for medical, dental and laboratory use. The catalog includes latex, nitrile and vinyl solutions designed to support professionals who need reliable disposable medical gloves for high-risk environments, prolonged use and specific protection needs.
What makes a glove suitable for medical use?
Medical gloves are designed to protect both the user and the patient. Their main function is to act as an effective barrier against fluids and microorganisms, reducing the risk of cross-contamination during examinations, procedures, treatments and laboratory activities.
To be suitable for healthcare use, disposable gloves must offer impermeability, strength and biocompatibility. This means that the glove should resist tearing, maintain its protective function during use and limit the risk of adverse reactions when in contact with the skin.
The choice of gloves depends on the application: examination gloves are generally used for medical and dental procedures, while laboratory gloves may require greater chemical and biological resistance. In activities with greater exposure, such as first aid or laboratory handling, thicker gloves generally offer a more appropriate level of protection.
When healthcare gloves are used as Personal Protective Equipment, they must also protect the professional from occupational risks, including chemical and biological hazards. For this reason, certifications and intended use should always be checked before selecting a product.
Medical glove regulations and certifications
In healthcare, compliance is a key requirement. Medical disposable gloves must meet specific standards that confirm their safety, performance and suitability for professional use.
Gloves intended as medical devices must comply with Regulation (EU) 2017/745 and EN 455 Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4. These standards cover essential aspects such as freedom from holes, physical properties, biological evaluation and shelf life. They help verify that the glove can be used safely as an examination glove in medical and dental environments.
When gloves are also classified as PPE, they must comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/425. This confirms that the product has been assessed for protection against workplace risks. Depending on the glove, additional standards may apply, including EN ISO 374-1:2016 for chemical risk and EN ISO 374-5:2016 VIRUS for protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
For medical, dental and laboratory professionals, these certifications are crucial, as they provide useful information for selecting healthcare gloves based on the real risk of the activity, the substances handled and the required level of protection.
Nitrile, latex or vinyl: how to choose the right material
The material is one of the most important factors when selecting disposable gloves for medical use. Nitrile, latex and vinyl all offer different levels of elasticity, sensitivity, resistance and skin compatibility.
Nitrile gloves
Nitrile is a synthetic material widely used in healthcare, dental and laboratory environments. It is 100% latex-free, making it a suitable option for professionals or patients with latex sensitivity. Nitrile gloves generally offer good mechanical strength and chemical resistance, while maintaining tactile sensitivity.
They are often recommended for medical procedures, laboratory activities and situations where the glove must provide a reliable barrier against biological or chemical risks. Some nitrile gloves are also designed for users with sensitive skin, such as accelerator-free models that help reduce the risk of allergic contact dermatitis.
Latex gloves
Latex gloves are known for their elasticity, comfort and tactile sensitivity. These characteristics make them useful when precision and fit are important. In medical and dental settings, latex can support excellent control during examinations and procedures.
However, natural latex contains proteins that may cause allergic reactions in some users or patients. For this reason, latex gloves should be chosen carefully, especially in environments where sensitivity or allergy risk is known. Powder-free and low-protein options can help reduce the risk of irritation and contamination.
Vinyl gloves
Vinyl gloves are 100% latex-free and can be useful for professionals looking for a temporary medical barrier with good skin compatibility. They are generally less elastic and less resistant than nitrile, but they can be suitable for specific tasks where the risk level is lower and high mechanical performance is not the main requirement.
In healthcare procurement, vinyl gloves may be considered when latex-free disposable gloves are needed for defined applications, always checking certifications and intended use.
Comfort and skin compatibility during prolonged use
Many healthcare professionals wear gloves for several hours during the day. For this reason, comfort and skin compatibility directly affect correct use.
A glove that is too tight may increase sweating, fatigue and irritation. A glove that is too loose may reduce precision and compromise grip. Carefully selecting the right size helps the professional work safely while maintaining hand mobility and tactile control.
Powder-free gloves are often preferred in medical environments because they reduce the risk of contamination and dermatitis. Internal chlorination can improve donning, while a micro-roughened surface increases grip and sensitivity during use.
For professionals with sensitive skin, material selection becomes even more important. Latex-free gloves, low-protein latex gloves and accelerator-free nitrile gloves can all help reduce the risk of skin reactions, especially during long shifts or frequent procedures. Some latex examination gloves are also enriched with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, helping improve skin comfort during prolonged wear while maintaining the tactile sensitivity and elasticity required in healthcare and dental settings.
Recommended Reflexx disposable gloves for healthcare professionals
Reflexx offers several disposable glove solutions for medical environments, healthcare, dental and laboratory professionals. The following products are designed for certified protection, professional use and specific application needs.
Powder Free Latex Gloves Reflexx 46
Reflexx 46 is a disposable, ambidextrous latex glove designed for medical, dental and professional use. The glove is powder-free to help reduce the risk of dermatitis and contamination, while internal chlorination makes donning easier.
The micro-roughened surface improves grip and sensitivity, which are important during precision examinations and procedures. Reflexx 46 is a Medical Device suitable for use as an examination glove in medical and dental fields, also for invasive procedures and temporary use. It is also classified as PPE Cat. 3 for protection against chemical and microbial risks.
This glove is recommended for healthcare professionals seeking the elasticity and sensitivity of latex in a powder-free formulation.
Latex Gloves with Aloe Vera Reflexx Care L600
Reflexx Care L600 is a powder-free natural latex examination glove specifically developed for healthcare and dental professionals who require excellent tactile sensitivity together with enhanced skin comfort during prolonged use.
The glove is enriched with aloe vera, whose beneficial properties are gradually activated by the natural warmth and moisture of the hands while the glove is being worn. This helps provide a soothing effect on the skin, supporting greater comfort during prolonged glove use.
Thanks to its low-protein natural latex formulation (protein content below 50 μg/g), internal chlorination for easier donning and micro-textured surface for improved grip, Reflexx Care L600 combines elasticity, comfort and precision during examinations and dental procedures.
Reflexx Care L600 is certified as a Medical Device for examination use, including invasive procedures, and is also classified as PPE Category III for protection against chemical and biological risks. Compliance with EN 455 and EN ISO 374 standards makes it a reliable solution for medical, dental and laboratory professionals looking for certified disposable latex gloves with enhanced skin comfort.
Powdered Latex Gloves Reflexx 40
Reflexx 40 is a disposable, ambidextrous latex glove lightly pre-powdered with corn starch. It offers flexibility, sensitivity and impermeability, making it suitable for medical and dental examinations.
The glove is classified as a Medical Device and PPE Cat. 3, with protection against chemical components and microorganism risks. It is also certified according to EN ISO 374-5:2016 VIRUS for protection against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Reflexx 40 can be used when a powdered latex glove is required, while always considering the specific needs of the environment, the risk of contamination and any known latex sensitivity.
Nitrile Gloves Reflexx Care N350
Reflexx Care N350 is a nitrile glove developed with Low Derma™ Technology. Its formulation does not intentionally add sulfur or accelerators commonly associated with Type IV allergic contact dermatitis, making it suitable for professionals with very sensitive hands.
The glove is powder-free, latex-free and micro-roughened to improve grip and sensitivity. Internal chlorination makes donning easier, while the clean formulation reduces traces of metals and anions.
Reflexx Care N350 is classified as PPE Cat. 3 and certified according to EN ISO 374-1:2016 Type B and EN ISO 374-5:2016 VIRUS. It is a Medical Device for medical and dental examination use and is also suitable for use with chemotherapy drugs, tested according to ASTM D6978.
It is a strong choice for healthcare professionals who need certified protection, skin compatibility and reliable performance.
Rappresenta una valida scelta per i professionisti sanitari che necessitano di protezione certificata, compatibilità cutanea e prestazioni affidabili.
Powder Free Vinyl Gloves Reflexx 36
Reflexx 36 is a disposable, ambidextrous vinyl glove, 100% latex-free. It offers good elasticity and is manufactured with specific low-toxicity phthalates.
The absence of powder helps reduce the risk of dermatitis, making it suitable for professionals who need a latex-free medical glove for defined applications. Reflexx 36 is a Medical Device for examination use in the medical and dental fields and is classified as PPE Cat. 3 for protection against chemicals and microorganisms.
This glove can be considered for healthcare settings where latex-free disposable gloves are needed and the activity does not require the higher mechanical performance of nitrile.
Powder Free Nitrile Gloves Reflexx NBio
Reflexx NBio is a powder-free nitrile glove with a biodegradation rate, under defined anaerobic conditions typical of biologically active landfills, that is faster than that of a standard nitrile glove. It is not compostable and the biodegradation process depends on temperature and humidity.
The glove is disposable, ambidextrous, 100% latex-free and powder-free to reduce the risk of dermatitis and contamination. It is tested for biodegradability according to ASTM D5511 under defined conditions.
Reflexx NBio is classified as PPE Cat. 3, certified according to EN ISO 374-5:2016 VIRUS and suitable for medical and dental examination use as a Medical Device. It is a useful option for professionals looking for nitrile healthcare gloves with certified protection and attention to environmental impact.
Best practices for safe glove use in healthcare
Certified gloves can perform correctly only when they are selected and used properly. In healthcare environments, professionals should always choose the appropriate glove based on the procedure, exposure level and substances handled.
Disposable gloves must be changed between patients, between tasks and whenever they are torn, contaminated or damaged. They should never be reused. Before wearing gloves, hands should be clean and dry; after removal, hand hygiene remains essential.
Correct removal techniques help reduce the risk of contamination. Gloves should also be stored in a dry place, away from heat, humidity and direct sunlight, to preserve their protective properties.
These simple practices support the safe use of healthcare gloves and help maintain hygiene standards in medical, dental and laboratory environments.
How to choose the right Reflexx healthcare gloves
The right disposable glove depends on the professional setting, the level of risk, the duration of use and the user’s skin sensitivity. Material, thickness, grip, certifications and intended use should all be evaluated before choosing a product.
Reflexx offers a complete range of disposable gloves for healthcare professionals, including latex, nitrile and vinyl options for medical, dental and laboratory applications. The portfolio includes powder-free and low-protein latex gloves, aloe vera latex gloves for enhanced skin comfort, accelerator-free nitrile gloves for sensitive skin and latex-free vinyl options, allowing professionals to select the most suitable glove according to the procedure, level of protection and working environment.
Do you need support choosing the right disposable gloves for medical use? Contact Reflexx today: our team will be glad to help you identify the most suitable solution for your professional environment.