Global demand for nitrile exam gloves currently exceeds existing production capacity by an estimated 215 billion units, or nearly 40 percent. Raw material scarcity, port closures and delays, and a two-fold increase in gloves usage since June 2020 have exacerbated ongoing shortages.
In a January 2021 survey, Premier members cited access to exam gloves as the no. 2 greatest challenge to care for COVID-19 patients, after clinical staffing. And as of March 1, 2021, most Premier members have fewer than 30 days on hand.
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Given this, many providers have been implementing glove conservation practices and other precautionary measures with the goal of increasing product days on hand and helping ensure a reliable supply of gloves.
Gloves spend continues to climb year-over year:
Up 40 percent between March and June of 2020
Up 130 percent between July and October 2020
Up 250 percent between November 2020 and February/March 2021
A Hefty Price Tag for Providers
PPE sourcing challenges brought on by COVID-19 have created historic financial pressures for U.S. hospitals and health systems already facing thin margins.
Source: Premier data
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