Medical gloves are disposable gloves used during medical exams and procedures to help prevent cross-contamination between caregivers and patients. Medical gloves are made from different polymers, including latex, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene; they are not powdered or lubricated with cornstarch powder to make them easier to put on the hand.

There are two main types of medical gloves: examination gloves and surgical gloves. Surgical gloves are more dimensionally accurate, with greater precision and sensitivity, and are made to a higher standard. Exam gloves can be sterile or non-sterile, while surgical gloves are usually sterile.
In addition to medicine, medical gloves are widely used in chemical and biochemical laboratories. Medical gloves provide some basic protection against corrosion and surface contamination. However, they are easily penetrated by solvents and various dangerous chemicals, so don't use them for dishwashing or otherwise when the task involves dipping gloved hands in solvents.