Nitrile examination gloves: sizes, standards and the right choice

01What the standards for an examination glove guarantee

The Aldena NRB32 data sheet links each characteristic to a specific standard (Aldena NRB32 data sheet):

• EN 455-1: freedom from holes, expressed as an AQL (acceptable quality level). The lower the AQL, the stricter the inspection; the NRB32 has an AQL of 1.5.
• EN 455-2: physical properties, including length (median of 240 mm) and force at break (at least 6.0 N).
• EN 455-4: shelf life, 5 years for this glove.
• EN 374-1 and EN 374-5: standards for gloves protecting against chemicals and against micro-organisms.
• EN 420: general requirements for protective gloves.

The manufacturer's EU declaration of conformity for Aldena nitrile gloves also cites EN 455-3, the ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards and classification as a class I medical device under rules 1 and 5 of Annex VIII of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (EU declaration of conformity INTCO-CE-DC-NBR-001).

02Medical device and protective equipment: dual status

An examination glove protects two people: the patient and the clinician. That is why the Aldena data sheet states two intended uses (Aldena NRB32 data sheet):

• Class I medical device within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/745;
• Single-use protective glove, category III PPE within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Aldena describes its nitrile examination gloves as non-sterile and not reusable, intended for medical use to protect the patient and the user from any cross-contamination (Aldena Benelux catalogue 2022, p. 4). The NRB32 data sheet also states compliance for food contact, Regulation (EC) 1935/2004.

On a box, therefore, check both references: the EN 455 standard for medical use, and the EN 374 standard for user protection.

03The Aldena NRB32 data sheet in detail

Source: Aldena NRB32 data sheet, p. 1-2.

Aldena publishes a data sheet in the same format for its Cobalt Blue nitrile glove, available from XS (5/6) to XL (9/10), with a force at break of at least 6.4 N (Aldena Cobalt Blue data sheet). Values therefore vary from one reference to another: compare the data sheets, not just the colour.

04Choosing the right size

Aldena sizes pair a letter with a hand size range: S (6/7), M (7/8), L (8/9), XL (9/10), and XS (5/6) for the references that offer it (Aldena NRB32 and Cobalt Blue data sheets). A glove that is too large wrinkles at the fingertips and reduces sensitivity; a glove that is too small tires the hand and stretches when put on.

Sizes and colours available on axemed.be

All these references are powder-free nitrile examination gloves, in boxes of 100. The manufacturer's EU declaration of conformity covers Aldena nitrile gloves in blue, white, violet, black and pink, from XS to XXL (declaration INTCO-CE-DC-NBR-001).

Practical tip: first order one box of each size for the team, then restock by size.

05Nitrile, latex or vinyl?

Aldena presents nitrile as the preferred synthetic alternative to latex in the medical sector, with good resistance in use and protection against blood-borne pathogens (Aldena Benelux catalogue 2022, p. 3). The manufacturer advises against latex gloves for people with a latex allergy, as the proteins in the material can cause reactions (p. 7). Vinyl is described as less elastic than nitrile and latex, with a looser fit (p. 8).

For dental care, where the glove is worn for long periods and handles fine instruments, the NRB32 data sheet highlights a thinner formulation for tactile sensitivity and dexterity.

06Correct use and storage

• Single use: an examination glove is not reused (Aldena NRB32 data sheet; Aldena catalogue, p. 4).
• Non-sterile: a procedure that requires a sterile glove calls for a different product.
• Shelf life: 5 years according to EN 455-4; check the date on the box and rotate the stock.
• Sizes: stock all the sizes your team needs so that everyone wears their own.

Other protection and hygiene products, including FFP2 masks and disinfectants, are grouped on the Hygiene and sterilisationpage. For regular orders, see our guide Ordering on axemed.be.

→Products mentioned

Aldena blue nitrile examination gloves, powder-free – size M, box of 100Ref. NRB32M3,39 € excl. VATAldena blue nitrile examination gloves, powder-free – size S, box of 100Ref. NRB32S3,39 € excl. VATAldena blue nitrile examination gloves, powder-free – size L, box of 100Ref. NRB32L3,39 € excl. VATAldena indigo nitrile examination gloves, powder-free – size M, box of 100Ref. NCB30M3,99 € excl. VATAldena black nitrile examination gloves, powder-free – size M, box of 100Ref. NBK35M3,39 € excl. VATAldena pink nitrile examination gloves, powder-free – size S, box of 100Ref. NPK34S4,59 € excl. VAT

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