What checks need to be carried out before using purified latex gloves?

Before using cleanroom-grade latex gloves, the following checks must be performed to ensure their cleanliness, integrity, and suitability, thereby avoiding any adverse effects on performance or causing contamination:

1. Packaging Inspection

• Verify that the packaging is intact: no damage, tears, or openings, to prevent external contaminants from entering.

• Review packaging information: Verify the production date and shelf life (cleanroom-grade gloves typically have a specified expiration date) to avoid using expired products; confirm that the cleanliness level designation on the packaging (e.g., Class 100, Class 1000, etc.) aligns with the requirements of the intended application.

2. Visual Inspection

• Surface cleanliness: After opening the packaging, inspect the glove surface for contaminants such as dust, stains, mould spots, or discoloured spots.

• Integrity: Check for defects such as damage, pinholes, tears, or scratches. This can be done by gently pulling the glove under light or using an inflation test (pinch the cuff to inflate, then pinch the opening to observe for air leaks) to confirm no leaks.

• Adhesion: Cleanroom-grade gloves are often treated with special processes (e.g., chlorine treatment) and should not exhibit severe adhesion. If gloves stick together and are difficult to separate, this may affect cleanliness or cause tearing, necessitating replacement.

3. Size and Fit Inspection

• Confirm proper size: During fitting, check if the glove size fits the hand snugly. Gloves that are too large may slip off, while those that are too small may tear, both of which may compromise operational safety and cleanliness.

• No abnormal attachments: Inspect the inner side of the glove (the side in contact with the hand) for foreign objects such as fibres or lint to prevent contamination of the hand or the object being handled during use.

Through the above inspections, non-conforming gloves can be identified in advance to ensure that the cleanroom-grade latex gloves used meet cleanliness requirements and are suitable for high-precision environments such as medical facilities, electronic cleanrooms, and laboratories.