Understanding the Hazards of Glove Powder

PATIENT ISSUES Disease, medications, immobility, or intubation may compromise the hospitalized patient. When glove powders are present in the patient environment, the hospital experience may be further complicated. Powder can contribute to the disease state, acting as a foreign body in deep tissues by causing an inflammatory response, and in soft tissue by promoting wound infection. Literature has also reported the ability of gloving powders to carry latex allergens into the air (Beezhold, 1992). When donning powder is evenly distributed in small granules, it may be more easily absorbed. If infection is present, absorption of the powder is prolonged, which may result in an increased chance of other powder-related problems (such as impaired wound healing and fibrinolysis). When glove powders are introduced during a surgical procedure, they play a role in excess scar tissue formation, inflammatory reactions in the eye and pericardia, as well as the peritoneal and pleural cavities, and other areas (Hunt, 1994). The longer the body is exposed to glove powders, the greater the chance for complications. In addition to intra-operative complications from gloves, other reports have documented glove powder contamination of epidural catheters, leading to neurological complications, as well as being a potential cause for catheter occlusion (Truscott, 1997). Cardiac complications such as granulomatous endocarditis and thrombi have also been documented (Truscott,1977). Glove powders have caused contamination of blood filters; granuloma formation from liposuction, facial sinus and mastoiditis; and inflammation of joints following orthopedic surgery. Clinical reports, case studies, and further experimentation continue to report adverse reactions to gloving powders, including inflammation, granuloma formation, granulomatous peritonitis, adhesions, allergic responses, contribution to wound infection, and delayed wound healing. The significance of these findings justifies the consideration of switching from powdered to powder-free gloves. The market has responded to this need with many choices and styles of powder-free gloves. Healthcare workers should strive to eliminate any avenue of contamination that could prolong a patient’s hospital stay.

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