Nitrile Gloves Specification Guide: Selecting the Right Examination Gloves

Nitrile Examination Gloves: Complete Specification Guide

Nitrile gloves have become the gold standard for medical examination gloves, offering superior protection without latex allergy concerns. This technical guide covers nitrile glove specifications, selection criteria, and purchasing considerations for healthcare facilities.

Understanding Nitrile Glove Specifications

Thickness (Mil Rating)

Thickness	Typical Use	Protection Level	Tactile Sensitivity
3-4 mil	Basic examination	Standard	Excellent
4-5 mil	General medical use	Good	Very Good
5-6 mil	Extended procedures	Enhanced	Good
6-8 mil	Chemotherapy, high-risk	Maximum	Moderate

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)

AQL measures defect rates in manufacturing:

• AQL 1.5 – Medical/surgical grade, highest quality
• AQL 2.5 – Examination grade, standard medical use
• AQL 4.0 – Industrial grade, not recommended for medical

ASTM Standards Compliance

• ASTM D6319 – Standard specification for nitrile examination gloves
• ASTM D6978 – Chemotherapy drug permeation testing
• EN 455 – European medical glove standards
• FDA 510(k) – Required for medical device marketing in US

Sizing Guide

Size	Hand Width (inches)	Hand Length (inches)
X-Small	2.75-3.0	6.5-7.0
Small	3.0-3.5	7.0-7.5
Medium	3.5-4.0	7.5-8.0
Large	4.0-4.5	8.0-8.5
X-Large	4.5-5.0	8.5-9.0

Key Features to Evaluate

Textured vs Smooth Finish

• Textured fingertips – Better grip for wet conditions and instruments
• Fully textured – Maximum grip throughout
• Smooth finish – Easier donning, general examination

Powder-Free Requirement

FDA banned powdered medical gloves in 2017. All medical nitrile gloves must be powder-free. Polymer-coated interiors facilitate easy donning.

Cuff Length

• Standard (9.5") – Adequate for most examinations
• Extended (12") – Additional wrist/forearm protection
• Extra-long (15"+) – Specialized procedures

Application-Specific Recommendations

General Examination

• 4 mil thickness, AQL 2.5
• Textured fingertips
• Standard cuff length

Laboratory Work

• 5-6 mil thickness, AQL 1.5
• Fully textured surface
• Chemical resistance certification

Chemotherapy Handling

• 8 mil minimum thickness
• ASTM D6978 tested
• Double-gloving recommended
• Extended cuff length

Surgical Applications

• Sterile packaging required
• Individual pair packaging
• AQL 1.5 or better
• ASTM F1671 bloodborne pathogen testing

Cost Comparison by Quality Tier

Quality Tier	Price Range (per 1000)	Best For
Economy	$45-65	High-volume, basic use
Standard	$65-90	General medical examination
Premium	$90-130	Extended wear, sensitive tasks
Specialty	$130-200+	Chemotherapy, surgical

Quality Verification

When evaluating suppliers, verify:

• FDA registration and device listing
• Third-party test reports (tensile strength, elongation)
• Lot traceability and expiration dating
• Consistent sizing across production lots
• Proper storage and handling documentation

LAC Healthcare Solutions offers premium nitrile examination gloves meeting all medical standards. Request samples and competitive pricing today.