Dimension |
Size (mm) |
Palm width |
Extra-small |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
Extra-large |
< 80 |
80 ± 10 |
95 ± 10 |
110 ± 10 |
> 110 |
Length |
240 minimum for all sizes |
Thickness at palm and finger |
For all sizes: 0.08 minimum |
Barrier Integrity
All SMG-certified gloves must meet the prescribed requirement for the water-tightness test, the internationally-recognized testing procedure for barrier performance. Gloves are sampled and inspected in accordance with ISO 2859-1.
At inspection level of G1 (Inspection Levels and Acceptable Quality Levels table), all SMG-certified gloves have to meet a much lower defective rate expressed as Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of 1.5, more stringent than the requirement of AQL at 2.5 by the ASTM and the US FDA for examination gloves.
Tensile Properties
High strength and elasticity are important to minimize the possibility that gloves will rupture or tear under stress during use. These characteristics are measured on the basis of tensile strength and elongation-at-break before and after the accelerated aging process, which encompasses the aging of gloves at 700C +/- 20C in air for 7 days in a drying oven, as described in ISO 188. Requirements on tensile properties for quality control purposes apply to new gloves only. Tensile properties are measured in accordance with ISO 37.
PROPERTY |
UNIT |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENT* |
Tensile strength (before ageing) |
MPa |
18 |
Elongation at break (before ageing) |
% |
650 |
Force at break (before ageing) |
N |
9 |
Tensile strength (after ageing) |
MPa |
16 |
Elongation at break (after ageing) |
% |
500 |
Force at break (after ageing) |
N |
6 |
* SMG Technical Bulletin #3 |
Tensile requirements for SMG gloves are in line with specifications set by ASTM and the US FDA.
Protein and Powder Contents
High residual extractable protein level in latex gloves with excessive powder has been shown to cause sensitization and latex allergic reactions in latex protein sensitive individuals. In view of the fact that well processed low-protein gloves, particularly the powder-free variety, can alleviate such allergy problems, the SMG scheme ensures that both protein and powder contents are kept at low, controlled levels in SMG-certified gloves.
The table below shows the upper limits set for protein and powder under the SMG scheme.
EXAMINATION GLOVES |
SPECIFICATION LIMITS* |
Powder-free: |
Upper limit of protein |
Upper limit of powder |
|
|
Powdered: |
Upper limit of protein |
Upper limit of powder |
|
|
200 µg/dm2 |
150 mg/glove |
(Approx. 15 mg/dm2) |
|
* SMG Technical Bulletin #3 |
Extractable protein level is determined according to the standard modified Lowry test method, ASTM D5712, and the residual powder content on gloves is measured in accordance with ASTM D6124.
It is noteworthy that while the protein and powder limits for SMG powdered gloves are generally consistent with levels recommended by the ASTM, the upper protein limit set for SMG powder-free gloves is significantly lower (at 50 micrograms/square decimeter) than that recommended by ASTM (200 micrograms/square decimeter).
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