Select your glove

The right laboratory glove provides protection against the chemical, biological and physical hazards associated with the task being performed. Laboratory glove selection should consider the glove material, chemical resistance performance, glove thickness and length, the level of dexterity required and the confort expectations and any applicable regulatory requirements. Gloves should only be used where a risk assessment demonstrates that hand protection is necessary. There is no single glove suitable for every laboratory task. Where several gloves provide an equivalent level of protection, their environmental impact, including carbon footprint, may also be considered as part of the selection process.

The right cleanroom glove provides both operator protection and contamination control. Cleanroom glove selection should consider the chemical and microbiological risks associated with the application, the glove’s particle and extractable levels, sterility requirements, double gloving needs, and the requirements of the Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) required under GMP Annex 1, including appropriate glove length. Selection should also take into account glove disinfection procedures and packaging systems designed for transfers into controlled environments. The ISO class of the cleanroom is only one of the selection criteria. When multiple cleanroom gloves meet the required protection and contamination control objectives, additional factors such as environmental impact may help inform the final selection.

Nitrile provides strong chemical resistance and durability, latex offers excellent elasticity and tactile sensitivity, while neoprene improves resistance to specific chemicals. A glove comparison based on compatibility data helps determine the best option for each application.

Disposable glove thickness directly affects protection and dexterity. Thicker gloves improve resistance to chemical and mechanical risks, while thinner gloves offer better tactile sensitivity. Finding the right balance is essential when following a laboratory or cleanroom glove selection guide.

Glove length determines coverage of the hand, wrist and forearm. Longer gloves help reduce exposure risks during handling tasks, especially in laboratory and cleanroom environments. Length is a key factor in glove selection charts and comparison tools.

Chemical or biohazards exposure time directly impacts glove performance and durability. Longer or repeated contact with chemicals may require thicker materials or extended length to maintain protection. Considering type and time of exposure is essential when choosing laboratory gloves.

Textured fingertips improve grip and control when handling small or delicate items. This is particularly useful with disposable nitrile gloves, helping reduce the risk of slips in both dry and wet environments while improving precision and safety during repetitive laboratory tasks.

For PPE gloves, sizing follows EN ISO 21420 and uses numerical sizes from 4 to 13 based on hand circumference and hand length. MDR gloves under EN 455 are defined by dimensions such as median length and width and are typically labelled from extra small to extra large.

The correct glove size ensures a secure fit without excessive tension or looseness. Gloves that are too tight may reduce comfort and tear more easily, while loose gloves can reduce dexterity and increase the risk of accidents. Matching hand size to standard sizing improves performance in cleanroom or laboratory tasks.