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Accelerator
An accelerator is a chemical catalyst that is added in small amounts to speed up the curing by reducing the cure time and temperature of elastomers, particularly nitrile latex systems.
Ambidextrous
In this case, a glove that can be used on either the left or right hand.
AQL
AQL is short for Acceptable Quality Level and refers to a statistical standard for quality control, which calculates how many deficient units in a batch of manufactured products are permitted. This is determined by means of inspection of randomly drawn samples.
ASTM
An organization that developed and published voluntary standards for materials, products, systems, and services for various industries. These standards are used by the FDA to establish requirements for examination gloves.
ASTM D6124
Standard Test Method for Residual Powder on Medical Gloves.
ASZF
Shorthand reference to denote nitrile gloves that eliminate the use of accelerators, zinc and sulfur – “accelerator, zinc, sulfur free”.
Beaded Cuff
A rolled edge or “bead” at the open end of a glove.
Cuff
The upper portion of a glove which encircles the wrist.
Chlorination
Manufacturing processes that “dips” natural rubber latex and nitrile gloves into a chlorinated solution to reduce the tackiness of gloves to improve the ease of donning thus eliminating the additional dusting powder.
Class I Medical Device
Medical devices under the FDA that have the lowest potential risk and are subject to general regulatory controls. These devices are also not required to submit pre-market approval from the FDA.
Class II Medical Device
Medical devices under the FDA which have a noticeably higher risk potential than Class 1 but less than Class 3 medical devices. These devices are also subject to post-market surveillance, performance standards, and pre-market notification requirements. Exam gloves fall in this category.
Class III Medical Device
Medical devices under the FDA which is most complex and these are also considered to follow the more stringent regulatory controls. Some of the devices include implantable pacemakers and breast implants.
Double Polymer Coated
An alternative to chlorination and used to achieve a powder-free product and surface finish.
Eczema
Inflammation of the skin marked initially by redness, itching, and crusting. Causes may be allergic or non allergic.
Elongation
The length that a glove can be stretched before it breaks.
Latex
A milky sap-like substance produced by the rubber tree is located in Southeast Asia, India, and South America. Latex is used for medical examination and surgical gloves and combined with chemical ingredients to enhance elasticity, strength, and durability.
Latex Free
Containing no natural rubber latex – examples include nitrile, vinyl, neoprene, etc.
Leaching
Washing process, normally associated with the manufacturing of gloves, to remove or denature natural water-soluble proteins and remove adverse materials such as chemical residues. The success of this process is dependent on the temperature of the water and the duration of the process.
Length
Recommended glove length is determined by the use setting and level of protection needed. Typical examination gloves range from 9” to 14”
Nitrile
Made from a synthetic polymer composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene and a carboxylic acid. The term “nitrile” is used as a description because of the distinguishing features of these polymers due to the monomer acrylonitrile.
Non-Chlorinated
Elimination of chlorine treatment through the use of coatings. These gloves typically have improved shelf life, color, and scent.
General Purpose Gloves
Disposable gloves that are not recommended for medical or patient examination due to the lack of ability to protect from the transmission of organisms and various chemical agents. These are typically used in areas such as food services, janitorial and residential.
Permeation
Movement of a chemical or other agent through a surface or barrier at the molecular level.
Pinholes
Minute holes that may be present in a gloves surface. These are often the result of small debris encountered during the manufacturing process.
Polymer Coated
Synthetic material that is comprised of repeating molecular units applied to the inside of a glove during manufacturing to eliminate or reduce the need for powders such as cornstarch.
Powder
Serving as a lubricant, its use has been to provide the user with increased ease of donning gloves.
Primary Skin Irritation Test
A test to determine if a certain material can cause skin irritation. Typically requires a 24-hour test period where material has contact with the skin followed by a 72-hour observation period.
Sterilization
A physical or chemical process to make something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms such as bacterial spores.
Synthetic Rubber
Produced by chemical synthesis. In this scenario synthetic gloves include neoprene, nitrile, polyisoprene, and styrene butadiene.
Tensile Strength
Measurement of the amount of stretch or pull (force) required for a glove material to reach failure (break or tear).
Textured
A surface characteristic – either visual or tactile – where surface appears uneven.
Thickness
Measurement of glove surface depth protecting skin from exposure to the elements. Often measured in areas such as the Palm and Fingertip with measurement units of mils (1mil = 0.025mm).
Water Leak Test
A standard test to calculate the AQL level of an exam glove for pin holes. Involves filling a glove with a predetermined amount of water (1000ml) then monitoring for any leaks over a defined period of time.