An evaluation of nitrile gloves as an alternative to natural rubber latex for handling chemotherapeutic agents

Abstract

Introduction. In 1986 and 1995, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued guidelines for the handling of chemotherapeutic agents. Natural rubber latex gloves are recommended for all levels of handling these drugs; these gloves provide both pro tection to the health care worker and a high degree of manual dexterity in performing tasks requiring fine motor skills. However, many health care workers experience allergic reactions to natural rubber latex, with symptoms ranging from minor skin irritation to systemic anaphylaxis; the latter is a serious life-threat ening condition. Therefore, it is extremely important that alternative glove materials be found that offer protection against biological and chemical agents and also afford health care workers ease of use and fit. Methods. In this study, we tested a thin-gauge (0.0045-inch gauge) disposable nitrile glove; this glove, which offers fine motor skill ability to its users, has been tested against a wide range of chemicals but has not yet been tested specifically against chemo therapeutic agents. Using American Society for Test ing and Materials method F739-92, these gloves were tested for permeation resistance at three concentra tions, simulating exposures to Pharmacy, Nursing, and Housekeeping staff. Eleven commonly used che motherapeutic drugs were investigated. Conductivity was used to determine whether drug was present in the test solutions. Result. Drug was not detected in any of the samples collected. When carmustine was tested, the effluent had a distinct alcohol odor, but no conduc tivity was noted. Conclusions. These disposable nitrile gloves appear to be acceptable for preparing the chemother apy agents tested. Hospitals must be open to finding replacements to natural rubber latex products and must alert their staff members about the potential for latex sensitivity in both patients and other staff mem bers. Manufacturers of non-latex gloves should be encouraged to conduct chemotherapy permeability studies on their products.