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Disposable gloves: nitrile vs latex vs vinyl, and safe removal

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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When to wear disposable gloves

The FDA says to use medical gloves when your hands may touch someone else's body fluids, such as blood, respiratory secretions, vomit, urine or feces, certain hazardous drugs, or some potentially contaminated items. That makes them a core first aid supply; the American Red Cross kit list includes 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves in size large.

The FDA describes medical gloves as personal protective equipment that helps protect the wearer, the patient or both from the spread of germs during exams and procedures. At home, that covers jobs like treating a bleeding cut on someone else or cleaning up vomit, urine or feces while caring for a sick family member.

The FDA calls gloves one part of an infection-control strategy and says to wash your hands after taking them off. See our first aid kit guide.

Glove materials

The FDA requires manufacturers to identify on the package labeling the materials used to make medical gloves, so check the box. Glove thickness is often listed in mil; heavier gloves are sold for cleaning and mechanical work.

Why powdered gloves were banned

On December 19, 2016, the FDA published a final rule banning powdered surgeon's gloves, powdered patient examination gloves and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon's glove, effective January 18, 2017. The FDA found the risks unreasonable and substantial and said labeling could not fix them.

In the rule, the FDA describes the risks of powdered gloves as including severe airway inflammation, hypersensitivity and allergic reactions including asthma, and granuloma and adhesion formation when powder reaches internal tissue. The rule explains that powder can carry contaminants such as natural rubber latex allergens into the air, where they can be inhaled, and that exposure is also a concern during oral, vaginal and rectal exams. The FDA noted that viable non-powdered alternatives exist. So look for gloves labeled powder-free.

How to take gloves off safely

The CDC's glove removal steps:

• Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist, without touching your bare skin.
• Peel it away from your body, pulling it inside out.
• Hold the removed glove in your gloved hand.
• Slide your fingers inside the second glove at the top of your wrist.
• Turn it inside out while pulling it away from your body, leaving the first glove inside the second.
• Dispose of the gloves safely and do not reuse them.
• Clean your hands immediately.

For handwashing and sanitizer, see our hand soap guide and hand sanitizer guide.

Rules for using gloves

• Fit matters. The FDA says make sure gloves fit properly so you can wear them comfortably.
• Change torn gloves. Sharp objects can puncture gloves; always change gloves that rip or tear.
• Never reuse, wash or disinfect disposable medical gloves, and never share them.
• Wash your hands after. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub after removing gloves.
• Wash before sterile gloves. The FDA says wash your hands before putting on sterile gloves.

Medical vs general-purpose gloves

The FDA says medical gloves are disposable and include examination gloves, surgical gloves and gloves for handling chemotherapy drugs. It regulates them as Class I reserved medical devices that need a 510(k) premarket notification, and generally reviews performance criteria such as leak resistance, physical properties and biocompatibility. Many gloves sold online are marketed for food prep, cleaning or mechanics rather than medical exams. For a first aid kit, look for gloves labeled as examination gloves and powder-free, in a size that fits the people likely to use them. For other first aid supplies, see our antiseptic wipes guide and gauze pads guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Are nitrile or latex gloves better?

For anyone with a latex allergy, the FDA suggests synthetic gloves such as nitrile, PVC or polyurethane.

Why are powdered gloves banned?

The FDA found the risks, including airway inflammation and allergic reactions, unreasonable and substantial.

Can I reuse disposable gloves?

No. The FDA says never reuse, wash or disinfect medical gloves.

How do I take gloves off without contaminating my hands?

Peel each glove inside out without touching the outside, then clean your hands, per the CDC.

Do I still need to wash my hands after wearing gloves?

Yes. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Sources

• Medical Gloves (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Banned Devices; Powdered Surgeon's Gloves, Powdered Patient Examination Gloves, and Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon's Glove (2016-30382) (federalregister.gov), Federal Register, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• How to Remove Gloves (poster) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Make a First Aid Kit: What to Include (redcross.org), American Red Cross

Sources checked 2026-10-15.