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In every medical setting — from a family clinic to a high-pressure operating room — one thing remains constant: the humble medical glove. These simple yet powerful protectors stand between safety and infection, ensuring hygiene, precision, and patient trust.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, clinic owner, or procurement officer searching for wholesale medical gloves at the best prices, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you buy — from glove types and FDA standards to wholesale purchasing tips and product recommendations.

What Are Medical Hand Gloves?

Medical hand gloves are disposable protective coverings designed to prevent cross-contamination between patients and healthcare workers. They’re used during examinations, surgeries, laboratory testing, and various procedures.

All medical gloves are FDA-regulated Class I medical devices, which means they must meet strict safety and performance standards before they can be sold in the U.S.

Depending on their purpose, they fall into two main categories:

• Examination Gloves: For routine patient exams, diagnostics, and lab work.

• Surgical Gloves: Designed for sterile environments where precision and tactile sensitivity are essential.

Types of Medical Gloves by Material

Each glove material offers a different balance of comfort, durability, and protection. Here’s a detailed look at the most popular types:

1. Nitrile Gloves

Made from synthetic rubber, nitrile gloves are the leading choice for hospitals and labs today. They are latex-free, chemical-resistant, and tear-resistant, making them ideal for medical, dental, and industrial use.

Advantages:

• High puncture resistance

• Excellent chemical protection

• Suitable for people with latex allergies

• Longer shelf life

 Limitations:

• Slightly less stretch than latex

• Usually more expensive

Explore and Shop Nitrile Gloves

2. Latex Gloves

The traditional favorite among surgeons and examiners, latex gloves are made from natural rubber. They offer superior elasticity and tactile sensitivity, allowing a “second-skin” feel that’s hard to beat.

Advantages:

• Exceptional comfort and dexterity
• High tear resistance
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

Limitations:

• Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive users
• Less chemical resistance compared to nitrile

Explore and Shop Latex Gloves Online

3. Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are a budget-friendly option for low-risk environments where frequent glove changes are required.

✅ Advantages:

• Cost-effective for short-term use
• Latex-free
• Smooth, comfortable texture

? Limitations:

• Less durable and puncture-resistant
• Not recommended for high-risk medical procedures

Browse and Shop Vinyl Gloves 

4. Specialty Gloves

Some applications demand enhanced protection — like chemotherapy gloves, neoprene gloves, or polyisoprene gloves. These are designed to withstand specific chemicals or surgical needs while maintaining dexterity and comfort.

Browse our Catalog and Shop Specialty Gloves

Powdered vs. Powder-Free Gloves

Once widely used, powdered gloves are now banned by the FDA for medical purposes due to the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory irritation.

Today, powder-free gloves dominate the market — they use advanced polymer coatings or chlorination to make donning easy and safe.

Shop Powder-Free Gloves 

Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Gloves

• Sterile gloves: Individually packaged and used for surgical or invasive procedures.

• Non-sterile gloves: Used for non-invasive exams, patient handling, or lab work.

Both types must meet FDA quality and performance benchmarks, but sterile gloves undergo additional sterilization processes.

Understanding Glove Standards & Certifications

When buying gloves, make sure they meet these essential U.S. standards:

Every glove listed on bttn adheres to FDA and ASTM guidelines, ensuring safety, consistency, and comfort.

How to Choose the Right Glove for Your Application

Choosing the right glove depends on where and how it will be used.
Here’s a quick guide:

? Tip: Always verify glove thickness (measured in mils). A glove between 3–6 mil is ideal for medical and exam use, while 7–9 mil provides extra durability for high-risk procedures.

Buying Medical Gloves in Bulk or Wholesale

If you’re purchasing for a clinic, hospital, or distribution center, wholesale buying offers significant cost savings.

Here’s what to look for when buying in bulk:

1. FDA-compliant suppliers: Always verify certifications and import documentation.

2. Packaging options: 100-count boxes or 1,000-count cases for institutional use.

3. MOQ flexibility: Choose vendors offering scalable quantities to match your needs.

4. Shipping speed & reliability: Ensure fast, insured delivery across the U.S.

Storage & Handling Tips

Even premium gloves can lose integrity if stored incorrectly.
Follow these best practices:

• Store between 60°F and 75°F, away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid damp or humid conditions.

• Rotate stock based on FIFO (First In, First Out).

• Dispose of expired gloves safely as per local medical waste regulations.

Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Options

Sustainability is becoming an essential factor for modern healthcare buyers. Look for eco-nitrile or biodegradable latex gloves, which decompose faster without compromising protection.

bttn supports responsible sourcing and partners with manufacturers focused on green innovations in disposable medical supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are nitrile gloves better than latex gloves?
Yes, nitrile gloves provide stronger chemical and puncture resistance, and are latex-free — ideal for most medical settings.

Q2. Can medical gloves be reused?
No, all exam and surgical gloves are single-use only. Reusing can compromise safety and sterility.

Q3. What does AQL 1.5 mean?
It stands for Acceptable Quality Level. AQL 1.5 means the glove has a very low defect tolerance — ideal for medical use.

Q4. Are powdered gloves banned in the U.S.?
Yes. Since 2016, the FDA has banned powdered medical gloves for health and safety reasons.

Q5. How long do disposable gloves last?
Most have a 3–5 year shelf life if stored properly.

Conclusion: Buy Reliable Medical Gloves at the Best Prices

When it comes to patient care and infection control, quality gloves are non-negotiable. The right glove not only protects your team but also ensures comfort, compliance, and trust.

At bttn, you’ll find a full range of nitrile, latex, vinyl, and specialty medical gloves — all FDA-compliant, available in bulk, and shipped directly across the U.S.

? Explore our full collection today and secure your supply of high-performance medical gloves at the best prices.

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