Disposable gloves are among the most used items in any aged care facility, and choosing the wrong type affects resident safety, staff skin health and your budget. This guide explains how nitrile, latex and vinyl gloves differ, which tasks suit which glove, and what to check before you order for an Australian aged care facility. It is general product information, not clinical advice: always follow your facility's infection prevention policy.

Gloves support hand hygiene; they do not replace it

Under standard precautions, gloves are worn when there is a risk of contact with blood, body fluids, broken skin or contaminated surfaces. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Hands should be cleaned before putting gloves on and after taking them off, and gloves should be changed between residents and between tasks on the same resident.

Nitrile vs latex vs vinyl

Glove	Strengths	Things to check
Nitrile	Latex-free, good puncture resistance, suited to most clinical tasks, personal care and cleaning	Thickness and fit vary by brand; choose powder-free
Latex	Very good fit and feel	Latex allergy risk for staff and residents; many facilities have moved away from latex
Vinyl	Low cost, latex-free	Less barrier protection and durability; usually suited to low-risk, short tasks such as food handling

Because latex allergies can affect staff and residents, most aged care facilities choose powder-free nitrile as their standard clinical glove, and keep vinyl for low-risk tasks.

Match the glove to the task

• Personal care, continence care and wound care: powder-free nitrile examination gloves.
• Cleaning and laundry handling: a heavier-duty glove, following your cleaning protocol.
• Meal service and low-risk tasks: vinyl or nitrile as your policy specifies.
• Sterile procedures: sterile gloves, as directed by the clinician.

What to check before you order

• Medical device status. Medical gloves are regulated as medical devices in Australia. Ask your supplier to confirm the product is included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
• Standards. Single-use examination gloves are covered by AS/NZS 4011.1. Ask for the product's compliance documentation.
• Sizing. Stock XS to XL. Poorly fitting gloves tear more often and are uncomfortable to wear all shift.
• Box size and cost per glove. Compare cost per glove, not just cost per box.
• Dispensers. Wall-mounted dispensers keep gloves clean and reduce waste.

Other PPE aged care facilities commonly keep in stock

Alongside gloves, most facilities keep surgical masks, P2/N95 respirators for outbreak management, isolation gowns, aprons and eye protection. Your infection prevention and control lead will set the exact list and the triggers for each item.

Ordering gloves and PPE for aged care from BIOFAST

BIOFAST is a Melbourne-based Australian supplier of medical and safety consumables, and a TGA-listed sponsor for nitrile examination gloves. Aged care facilities can apply for a 30-day trade account (a completed credit application is required). Orders placed before 2pm normally ship the same day, and delivery is free over $199 in metro areas. Browse nitrile gloves, face masks and respirators, isolation gowns and the full aged care supplies range, or email sales@biofast.com.au or call 03 8905 4449.

Frequently asked questions

What gloves should aged care facilities use?

Most facilities use powder-free nitrile examination gloves for clinical and personal care, because they are latex-free and offer good protection. Your infection prevention policy sets the final standard.

Are nitrile gloves better than latex or vinyl?

Nitrile gloves avoid the latex allergy risk and generally offer better durability than vinyl, which is why they are the common choice for aged care. Vinyl is usually reserved for low-risk, short tasks.

Do medical gloves need to be on the ARTG?

Yes. Medical gloves are regulated by the TGA as medical devices in Australia. Ask your supplier to confirm ARTG inclusion before you order.

Can aged care facilities buy gloves on account in Australia?

Yes. BIOFAST offers 30-day trade accounts to aged care facilities, subject to a completed credit application.