Where to find sterile gloves, swabs etc (26)

Where can I find supplies of sterile gloves, masks and swabs etc in small quantities?

Everywhere I look seems to be selling gloves in boxes of 100 pairs and I really don't want to be buying that sort of quantity as only need a few.

Any ideas?

Or if anyone has any spare they're willing to offer for sale please let me know.

PP

I'm loud and I'm vulgar, and I wear the pants in the house because somebody's got to, but I am not a monster. I'm not.

It's in the water baby, it's in the pills that pick you up It's in the water baby, it's in the special way we fuck It's in the water baby, it's in your family tree It's in the water baby, it's between you and me - B.Molko

Why didn't I think of that!

I'm loud and I'm vulgar, and I wear the pants in the house because somebody's got to, but I am not a monster. I'm not.

Whats the problem a box of a hundred is usually less than five pounds and its only a small box. Lets face it if you are going to put your hand/fist where it shouldn't a box will be gone in no time.

Self-expression is the dominant necessity of human nature

Edited 25 Oct 11, 8:42 PM by scotchmystery

Put your feelings where my mouth just went.
Ian Dury

Can you provide a link for boxes of 100 sterile for £5 please?

I can only find non sterile at that sort of price.

It's £20+ for the sterile.

Like I already explained, I don't need and won't be using 100

I'm loud and I'm vulgar, and I wear the pants in the house because somebody's got to, but I am not a monster. I'm not.

a_dearheart wrote: Or visit a friend in hospital...take a big bag

Yeah, problem is I'd like around 10ish pairs and 50ish swabs, plus face masks too, probably too much to 'aquire'

I'm loud and I'm vulgar, and I wear the pants in the house because somebody's got to, but I am not a monster. I'm not.

I probably missed the sterile bit I use http://www.justgloves.co.uk/ because I'm lazy, I'm sure you can find cheaper.

Sterile usually come in boxes of 50 if that helps.

I still think you're missing out on other uses

Self-expression is the dominant necessity of human nature

If they are sold as sterile, the gloves should be in packs of two (i.e. one pair per pack, 50 pairs per box) and they should have an expiry date of some time in the future, at least a year, perhaps more. So you might use all or most of them in that time.

Picking up sterile stuff at the hospital would be tricky as it would mean swiping them from nurses trolleys and the like. Non-sterile stuff tends to be lying around, sterile stuff less often in reach.

And you need to put on sterile gloves in the right way to make sure they are really sterile at the time of use. You probably know that and how to do it, but just in case. Would using gloves and waterless sterilising rub do the trick? Kills most bacteria (not so good at viruses but they isn't often the issue in these situations?). Sterile wipes are easy enough to get at pharmacies and possibly swabs too, certainly sterile dressings such as Melolin? Surgical face masks are easily available and cheap. More serious stuff like n95 or N99 masks are also available but more expensive.

What do you want this stuff for? And yes, try a chemist. Biggish Boots should be OK.

Edited 25 Oct 11, 8:57 PM by DrTaps

Thanks for the helpful post DrTaps very interesting.

Do tell more of putting gloves on in the right way? .......

I'm loud and I'm vulgar, and I wear the pants in the house because somebody's got to, but I am not a monster. I'm not.

Defiled is my name full sore Through cruel spite and false report That I may say for evermore Fairwell to joy, adieu comfort For wrongfully ye judge of me Unto my fame a mortal wound Say what ye list, it may not be Ye seek for that shall not be found.. Anne Boleyn ......circa 1503-1536