Historically, the use of powder in medical gloves has served to assist in donning, in the manufacturing process to remove the glove from the former device and to keep gloves from sticking in the finished package. On March 21, 2016 the Food and Drug Administration announced a proposal to ban most powdered gloves in the United States.1 On December 19, 2016, the FDA published a final rule banning powdered gloves based on the unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury to individuals exposed to the powdered gloves.2 The risks to both patients and healthcare providers when internal body tissue is exposed to the powder include severe airway inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions. Powder particles may also trigger the body's immune response, causing tissue to form around the particles (granulomas) or scar tissue formation (adhesions) which can lead to surgical complications. The rule, which went into effect Jan. 18, 2017 applies to patient examination gloves, powdered surgeon's gloves and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon's glove.2 This powder glove ban continues to spread to other regions around the world. Please read more on the hazards of glove powder, the importance of implementing this practice change and the transition process to powder-free glove alternatives.
