Latex Gloves Key Terms

Learn latex gloves vocabulary to decide what to buy

By Shannon Tani

Latex gloves are a preventative measure to keep your workers safe. If you are purchasing latex gloves for the first time, you may be surprised by the different types available. Not all types of latex gloves are made the same. For medical uses in particular, you'll want to make sure that the gloves are FDA and ASTM approved and free from pinhole defection. Extended cuffs or chemical resistant properties add an extra level of safety. Start by learning the following terms associated with latex gloves.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, sets regulations that are to keep workers safe. Their latex glove standards are specific to those in the medical industry. Those working in other industries need not be as concerned about the FDA's seal of approval.
Try: Learn more about the Food and Drug Administration's medical glove guidance policies.

American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM International)

The American Society for Testing & Materials is now known as ASTM International. It is a voluntary standards organization. They also have standards that they set for latex gloves.
Try: Learn about ASTM International from their website. See their standards for gloves at Infection Control Today.

Pinhole defections

Pinhole defections are small holes in latex gloves, so named because they are the size of a pinhole. This can occasionally happen during production. A pinhole may seem small enough to not be of concern, but these small holes can let bacteria or viruses through. Medical workers need to be wary of pinhole defection.
Try: Nitrile Gloves discusses pinhole defection in latex and nitrile gloves.

Extended cuff latex gloves

Extended cuff latex gloves come up higher on the arm to protect the wrist and arm instead of stopping at the wrist.
Try: See an example of extended cuff latex gloves at Ted Pella.

Chemical resistant latex gloves

Chemical resistant latex gloves are treated with neoprene to provide extra safety when working with chemicals. Having latex in these gloves gives added flexibility.
Try: Sara Glove shows chemical resistant latex gloves.

Latex exam gloves

Latex exam gloves are for use in medical facilities. They have FDA and ASTM approval. Exam gloves are disposable and meant to be changed with each patient a doctor, nurse or technician examines.
Try: View latex exam gloves at UniSafe. Exam gloves come in a variety of sizes to fit different hands.