Powdered latex gloves still rule the surgical-glove market, but latex-free and powder-free gloves are gaining ground quickly, today making up one-third of the $290 million U.S. surgical-glove market and posting 10 to 15 percent sales increases annually. What's more, the price advantage latex gloves have long held over latex alternatives is shrinking, thanks to improved technology and increased production of latex-free products. A dramatic increase in the price of raw, natural-rubber latex is expected to shrink that gap even further in 2004. To arm you with the information you'll need to consider switching gloves at your facility, we asked your colleagues and manufacturers for their advice.