Glove Guide
A better-informed glove choice
Nitrile, vinyl or latex?
| Material | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Nitrile | Synthetic rubber; no natural rubber latex proteins. Confirm chemical resistance and exam suitability for the specific glove. |
| Vinyl | PVC material, often used for short general-purpose tasks. Fit and durability differ from nitrile. |
| Latex | Natural rubber with elasticity and tactile feel. Latex proteins can cause allergic reactions; consider your workplace policy. |
What mil thickness means
One mil is one thousandth of an inch (0.0254 mm). Palm, finger and cuff thickness may differ. Lighter gloves can offer more tactile feel; heavier gloves may suit more demanding tasks. Thickness alone does not establish protection.
Exam and chemotherapy standards
ASTM D6319 specifies requirements for nitrile examination gloves, including physical performance and freedom from holes. ASTM D6978 assesses permeation by specified chemotherapy drugs. An exam glove is not automatically chemotherapy-tested. Ask for test reports, breakthrough times and manufacturer instructions for your exposure.
Powder-free describes residual powder, not a guarantee of chemical resistance. FDA banned powdered patient examination and surgical gloves in the U.S.
Choose by task
- Medical, dental and pharmacy: review exam documentation, fit and workplace protocols.
- Laboratory: identify the actual chemicals and review product-specific resistance data.
- Food service: confirm intended food-contact use and applicable documentation.
- Janitorial and industrial: consider task durability, grip and chemical exposure. Disposable gloves do not replace specialist protective equipment.
Measure for fit
| Palm circumference | Wrap a flexible tape around the widest part of the palm, excluding the thumb. |
|---|---|
| Hand length | Measure from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm. |
| Choose size | Compare both measurements with the manufacturer’s chart for the exact glove. |
| Check fit | Fingers should move comfortably; avoid excessive loose material or stretched pressure. |
There is no universal XS–XL measurement chart. Product-specific dimensions are available on request.
Box, case or pallet?
A box contains individual gloves; a case contains multiple boxes. Counts vary and are listed where known. Pallet and truckload configurations are confirmed with the quote. Share expected use and delivery destination so our team can quote the right quantity.
Common questions
Sources
Verify any glove's 510(k) clearance in FDA's public database.
- FDA — Medical Gloves
- FDA — 510(k) Premarket Notification database
- 21 CFR 880.6250 — Patient examination glove
- 21 CFR 177.2600 — Rubber articles intended for repeated use
- ASTM D6319 — Nitrile examination gloves
- ASTM D6978 — Chemotherapy drug permeation
These references do not imply FDA endorsement of Cornerstone Health Group or this site. Confirm product-specific suitability and test results with manufacturer documentation.