Dartmouth Medicine HomeCurrent IssueAbout UsContact UsSearchPodcasts

PDF Version   Printer-Friendly Version

Vital Signs

Facts & Figures: Glove Compartment

Make mine purple neoprene, please!

1758
First report of medical gloves (made from sheep intestines)

1890
First use of latex (rubber) gloves during surgery

10 billion
Estimated annual use of latex gloves in the U.S. since the introduction in 1987 of universal precautions against infectious diseases

8-12%
Estimated percentage of health-care workers allergic to latex

4,073,267
Pairs of medical gloves used annually at DHMC

$585,602
Annual cost of those gloves

90
Number of different sizes and kinds of gloves (sterile and nonsterile; latex, vinyl, neoprene, nitrile; etc.) that DHMC stocks

6
Number of different colors those gloves come in (natural latex, clear, blue, green, yellow, and purple)

SOURCES: KCHEALTHCARE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, MEDICINENET.COM DHMC FIGURES APPLY TO THE FEBRUARY 2004-JANUARY 2005 PERIOD


If you'd like to offer feedback about this article, we'd welcome getting your comments at DartMed@Dartmouth.edu.

This article may not be reproduced or reposted without permission. To inquire about permission, contact DartMed@Dartmouth.edu.

Back to Table of Contents

Dartmouth Medical SchoolDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterWhite River Junction VAMCNorris Cotton Cancer CenterDartmouth College