| A |
| Accelerated Aging |
|
To derive an aging performance different
from realtime aging, which is not practical for assessing
product stability, accelerated aging is often applied.
For gloves, accelerated aging as applied in ASTM D3578
standard specification requires the glove samples to be
heated to 70 +/- 2 degree C for 166 +/- 2 hours and then
tested for its tensile properties (tensile strength and
ultimate elongation). |
| Accelerators |
|
Accelerators are chemicals that help speed
up the process of vulcanization. Typical accelerators used
in glove manufacture are zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC)
and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC). |
| Activators |
|
Activators initiate reactions. They are essentially
to kick-start the vulcanization processes. In glove manufacture,
zinc oxide is the common activator used. |
| ADA |
|
This is the acronym for American Dental Association.
The ADA encourages the distribution of high quality dental
products and offers a scheme whereby distributors may apply
for their products to be tested to meet their stringent
standards. Upon passing, such products may be allowed a
seal of approval. ADA seal may be used domestically in
the United States or internationally. |
| Aging |
|
Process of glove deterioration. Antioxidants are added during compounding to improving aging characteristics of gloves. To extend shelf life, keep gloves in its original packing and away from heat, direct sun and fluorescent lighting. |
| Allergenic Proteins |
|
These are proteins that cause allergy in some users.
Some of these proteins are able to survive the glove manufacturing
process. Currently the known ones are Hevein b1, b3, b5
and b6.02. These proteins are also called latex allergens. |
| Ambidextrous |
|
That which can be used on either hand without compromising
its function. Examination gloves are produced generally
as ambidextrous, although there are some contoured exam
gloves in the market. Due to the very flexible nature of
the gloves and its short duration usage, ambidexterity
is a common and accepted feature. |
| Anti-oxidants |
|
Although natural latex contain
some natural anti-oxidants to slow down its deterioration,
artificial anti-oxidants may be added to enhance the
storage life of the gloves. Still, the general precaution
for glove storage is to avoid heat and direct sunlight
and fluorescent lighting. |
| Antigenic Proteins |
|
These represent the total protein, including those that
are non-allergenic. As you can see, not all proteins cause
allergy. |
| AQL |
|
This is the acronym for Acceptable Quality Level and
is most commonly used in reference to the pinhole level
of a consignment of gloves tested or bought. For pinholes
of medical gloves, the AQL is typically 1.5 or better. |
| ASTM |
|
This is the acronym for American Society for Testing
and Materials, which set standards and specifications of
testing and devices. For example, rubber examination gloves
are standardized using ASTM’s standard no. D3578. |
| |
|
|
| B |
| Biocompatibility |
|
Over the years of widespread
glove usage, especially of latex gloves, a number of users
have developed chemical and protein allergies to them.
Biocompatibility involves testing the products to satisfy
the requirement of NIL sensitization and irritation in
accordance to a set protocol using the relevant regulations
of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the ASTM
Standard F-720-81 (Re-approved 1986). |
| |
|
|
| C |
| CE |
|
This is a mark that is
found on all products destined to the European Union. A ‘CE’ marking
implies the product has been registered with the Competent
Authority in which the product is exported into and that
it is safe for use. Every ‘CE’ marked product
need to be supported with a technical file. Gloves is currently
classified as a class I medical device with minimal risks
and may be self-declared to conform to EU Directive 93/42. |
| Chlorination |
|
A process of making powder-free
gloves by treating gloves with chlorine in solution. The
process modifies the rubber surface making it non-tacky.
It also removes surface protein to a negligible level.
Chlorinated powder-free glove is the most common variant
of powder-free gloves in the market.
Latex gloves are typically double chlorinated to ensure
both glove surfaces receive sufficient treatment. Double
chlorination also requires additional rinsing of the gloves,
thereby making them cleaner. Double chlorination is carried
out off line.
Chlorination may also be carried out online
but this is done only on one surface and there is no multiple
rinsing of the gloves. Single chlorinated gloves are
not truly powder-free as the other surface, in contact
with the mold, is not washed. |
| Compounding |
|
A process of blending chemical
slurries into stabilized latex to create a mixture called
compounded latex. Chemical slurries typically contain sulfur,
zinc oxide, ZDEC, ZDBC, titanium dioxide and anti-oxidant. |
| Contoured |
|
This is also called hand-specific or anatomical which
means that a left-handed glove may only be worn on the
left and not on the right, and vice versa. Surgeon’s
gloves are contoured to ensure they fit well over the
hands to minimize fatigue. This requirement is very crucial
during surgical operations where accuracy and control
are important. |
| Cuff |
|
Cuff is the open end of a glove through which the hand
and fingers are inserted. Cuffs are usually beaded although
non-beaded types are available but in lesser quantities.
Beaded cuffs allow for easier wearing, as there is a ‘handle’ for
the user to hold during donning. Cuffs also allow the glove
to be opened more readily. |
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