FDA proposal would ban powdered medical gloves in U.S.
+ Technology/Innovation
Amanda Rupp | Mar 23, 2016

FDA proposal to ban powdered medical gloves

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a proposal that would ban the majority of the powdered gloves that are used in the medical industry within the U.S.

There has been a steady decline in the use of the powdered gloves. Health professionals state that these kinds of gloves increase the chances of injuries or illness for patients, health care providers and others. These risks cannot be altered with new or altered labeling.

The ban specifically applies to the powdered gloves that surgeons use, absorbable powder that is used to lubricate surgeons’ gloves, as well as powdered gloves for patient examinations.

“This ban is about protecting patients and health care professionals from a danger they might not even be aware of,” Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said. “We take bans very seriously and only take this action when we feel it’s necessary to protect the public health.”

The original purpose for the powder is to make the gloves easier to put on and take off. Unfortunately, powdered gloves -- especially aerosolized glove powder that is used on natural rubber latex gloves, but not synthetic powdered gloves -- can transmit proteins. These proteins can cause respiratory allergic reactions.

Powdered synthetic gloves are also associated with severe airway inflammation, post-surgical adhesions, wound inflammation and other potentially serious adverse events and results.

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