Lab Pro Glove Selection Guide

Known for its durability, comfort, and dexterity, Latex gloves are the most common material for gloves. Latex is ideal when high dexterity and tactile sensitivity is required. It provides excellent protection against contamination and chemicals such as alcohols, acids, and ketones. In some people, latex proteins may cause an allergic reaction for which nitrile gloves provide a good alternative.

Nitrile is the most common material for gloves used in for laboratory and cleanroom environments. Nitrile Gloves offers good dexterity and superior resistance to many types of chemicals. Compared to latex, nitrile is lower in particles, ionic extractable and non-volatile residues. Nitrile also has “memory” properties that adapt it to the hand for a more custom fit that reduces fatigue. It is three times more puncture resistant than latex, and it also provides protection against cutting and scraping. Static-dissipative properties make nitrile ideal for use in medical device manufacturing, microelectronics, and other similar dry controlled environments.

PVC Gloves better known as Vinyl is proven for its ESD properties, inherent cleanliness (low in both particles and ionic extractable), and low cost. These attributes make vinyl gloves ideal for use in medical, restaurant and hospitality industry. A PVC glove fit looser on an operator’s hand than latex or nitrile, which can reduce dexterity.