In laboratory environments, where safety is paramount, gloves are a crucial component of personal protective equipment (PPE). The right type of laboratory glove not only protects you from harmful chemicals, pathogens, and other hazards, but it also ensures that your work is accurate and uncontaminated. However, with so many types of gloves available, choosing the right one for your specific application can be daunting. This guide will help you navigate the different types of laboratory gloves, their uses, and how to select the most appropriate pair for your needs.

Types of Laboratory Gloves

Here’s an overview of the most common types of laboratory gloves and their specific applications:

1. Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are made from natural rubber and are highly flexible and durable. They provide excellent protection against many chemicals, as well as biological hazards like bacteria and viruses.

• Best for: Biological research, medical and clinical labs, and applications requiring high dexterity.
• Considerations: Some people are allergic to latex, which can cause skin irritation or more severe allergic reactions. If you or your team members have latex allergies, consider an alternative. Additionally, keep in mind that standard latex gloves may also contain powder for ease of wear/removal, however this can be detrimental for individuals with skin sensitivities. If you need reliable hand protection without the added risk of allergen exposure, you might want to consider powder-free latex gloves for your laboratory.

2. Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are synthetic rubber gloves known for their resistance to punctures, chemicals, and abrasions. They are a popular choice because they offer a similar level of comfort and dexterity as latex gloves but with a lower risk of allergic reactions.

• Best for: Chemical handling, microbiology, and general laboratory tasks.

• Considerations: Nitrile gloves are slightly less flexible than latex but offer better chemical resistance.

If you are concerned with allergen exposure, the Unigloves Zero Accelerator Free Nitrile Gloves range is the perfect choice. Recommended by industry experts, these gloves are free from the chemical accelerators used in manufacturing, as well as zinc, sulphur, phthalates, and powder.

Additionally, if you are searching for products ideal for heavy-duty applications, you should consider the Unigloves Stronghold Heavy Duty Purple Nitrile Gloves. Designed for extra durability and protection, these gloves are resistant to a range of chemicals and cytotoxic drugs, exceeding medical standards for pinholes and proving suitable for contact with all food types.

3. Biodegradable Gloves:

Biodegradable gloves are designed with an emphasis on reducing the waste generated by laboratories, research facilities, or industrial settings. Made from materials like cornstarch, natural rubber latex, or other plant-based substances, these gloves break down quickly after disposal. Take Unigloves BioTouch range for example – these biodegradable gloves achieve 90% degradation after only 490 in active landfill, while traditional nitrile gloves can take over 100 years.

• Best for: Organisations that prioritise waste reduction as part of their sustainability goals.
• Considerations: These gloves may have different levels of durability and chemical resistance compared to conventional gloves. Keep in mind - that there are different levels of product sustainability! Please read our article on How Much Should You Trust the Green Label on Your Lab Equipment? for further details.

4. Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are a cost-effective option for situations where durability and resistance to hazardous materials are less critical. They are less elastic and offer a looser fit compared to latex and nitrile gloves.

• Best for: Non-hazardous materials handling, light cleaning tasks, and situations where glove changes are frequent.
• Considerations: Vinyl gloves are not recommended for handling hazardous chemicals or tasks requiring a high degree of sensitivity.

5. Neoprene Gloves

Neoprene gloves provide excellent chemical resistance and are often used in situations where protection against a wide range of chemicals is required. They offer good flexibility and are resistant to tears and punctures.

• Best for: Handling corrosive chemicals, working with oils, acids, and solvents.
• Considerations: Neoprene gloves can be more expensive than latex, nitrile, or vinyl gloves but provide superior protection for specific chemical applications.

Did you know that SLS also offers a composite of nitrile and neoprene gloves? Shield Scientific SHIELDskin ORANGE Nitrile Neoprene Gloves provide superior protection against chemicals and biological hazards, whilst offering enhanced durability and comfort. They are ideal for protecting your assays from contamination and ensuring safety in sensitive applications. To learn more about their chemical resistance, click here.

6. Cleanroom Gloves

Cleanroom gloves are designed to minimise particulate contamination in controlled environments. These gloves are usually made from latex, nitrile, or other materials that meet stringent cleanliness standards, ensuring that they do not shed particles or introduce contaminants.

• Best for: Pharmaceutical manufacturing or any application requiring a sterile or low-particulate environment.
• Considerations: Cleanroom gloves are often more expensive due to their specialised manufacturing process and high standards of cleanliness.

7. Cryogenic Gloves

Cryogenic gloves are designed to protect against extremely cold temperatures, often encountered when handling materials like liquid nitrogen. These gloves are typically made from multiple layers of insulated material to provide thermal protection.

• Best for: Handling cryogenic liquids, ultra-cold materials, and working in environments with extremely low temperatures.
• Considerations: Cryogenic gloves are not suitable for handling chemicals or tasks requiring high dexterity.

8. Heat-Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves are made from materials like Kevlar, Nomex, or other heat-resistant fabrics to protect against high temperatures. These gloves are essential when working with hot objects, open flames, or in high-heat environments.

• Best for: Handling hot glassware, working with autoclaves, furnaces, or in environments with open flames.
• Considerations: Heat-resistant gloves are typically bulky and may reduce dexterity, so they are not ideal for tasks requiring precision.

Choosing the Right Gloves for Your Application

When selecting laboratory gloves, consider the following factors: chemical compatibility, glove thickness, allergies, sensitivities, and dexterity. Additionally, for tasks that require frequent glove changes, consider using more affordable options such as vinyl or polyethylene. For prolonged use or exposure to hazardous materials, invest in high-quality gloves that offer superior protection.

Remember! Gloves should fit snugly but not restrict movement. Poorly fitting gloves can lead to hand fatigue and reduce the effectiveness of protection.

Ready to explore your options? Browse our collection of laboratory gloves below.