Meditrade NextGen Nitrile Examination Gloves, blue, 100 pcs., sizes XS–XXL, 1283X

In day-to-day laboratory work, a nitrile glove must do two things at once: provide reliable protection whilst being so unobtrusive that you forget you’re wearing it whilst working. The Meditrade Nitrile NextGen is designed precisely for this purpose. It is blue, powder-free, latex-free and holds dual certification: as a Class I medical device and as Category III personal protective equipment. This means that a single pack covers what would otherwise require two different types of gloves in the cupboard.

Blue nitrile gloves: why the colour matters

In laboratory and medical settings, blue is the established signal colour for disposable gloves. It stands out clearly against most work materials, which has two practical advantages. Firstly, a tear or hole is spotted more quickly because of the high contrast with the skin. Secondly, a torn piece of glove is easier to spot in a production process or in a sample than one that is a natural colour. In food processing, this is precisely why blue gloves have been the standard there for years: the colour is virtually never found naturally in food.

Thickness, tear resistance and grip

The glove is deliberately designed to be thin so that tactile sensitivity is maintained. The thickness is 0.07 mm on the palm, 0.10 mm on the fingertips and 0.07 mm on the back of the hand, in each case with a tolerance of 0.02 mm. The slightly greater thickness on the fingers is no coincidence; this is the area subject to the greatest mechanical stress. Despite the thin material, the median tear strength is at least 6.0 N, both when new and after artificial ageing. This is the more relevant of the two values, as gloves are rarely found on the shelf straight from production.

The surface is micro-textured. This ensures a good grip when vessels, pipettes or instruments are damp, without the need to grip any tighter than necessary. The rolled cuff stabilises the glove whilst putting it on and prevents it from rolling down whilst working. With a length of at least 240 mm, it extends securely over the wrist.

Latex-free, powder-free, protein-free

The Nitrile NextGen is manufactured without natural rubber latex and is therefore suitable for people with a diagnosed type 1 latex allergy. As it is also powder-free, it does not contain maize starch dust, which acts as an allergen carrier in powdered gloves and is a source of particles that can cause disruption in cleanrooms or during sensitive analyses. The glove is also free from mercaptobenzothiazoles and thiurams, two groups of accelerators that are frequently responsible for type 4 contact allergies. However, it does contain dithiocarbamates, which is why it should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity to this group of substances.

Dual certification: medical device and PPE Category III

As an examination glove, the Nitrile NextGen complies with the EN 455-1 to EN 455-4 series and is classified as a Class I medical device under Regulation (EU) 2017/745. At the same time, it is Category III personal protective equipment (PPE) under Regulation (EU) 2016/425, i.e. the highest category intended to protect against irreversible damage to health. This is demonstrated by testing in accordance with EN 374-1, -2, -4 and -5, as well as EN 16523 for permeation and ASTM F 1671 for the penetration of blood-borne pathogens. The general requirements for protective gloves set out in EN 21420:2020 are also met.

The gloves are tested for freedom from holes with an AQL of 1.5. They are manufactured under a quality management system in accordance with EN ISO 13485:2016. The gloves are expressly suitable for contact with food.

Typical areas of use

• Laboratory: sample preparation, handling reagents and disinfectants, work at the workbench, cleaning glassware
• Medicine and care: examinations, taking samples, changing dressings, patient contact
• Food processing: Portioning, packaging, order picking, work relating to production hygiene
• Industry and cleaning: handling cleaning and disinfectant chemicals, assembly and testing work requiring a delicate touch

A typical real-world scenario: In a routine laboratory, samples are prepared in the morning, analytical work is carried out at midday, and disinfection takes place in the afternoon. Anyone who has to keep three different types of gloves on hand for this has three stocks to manage and three potential sources of error when reaching into the box. A glove that complies with both EN 455 and PPE Category III, and is also food-safe, reduces this to a single item.

Storage and shelf life

Store in a cool, dry place and protect from direct sunlight. The shelf life is 3 or 5 years depending on the batch; the exact date is stated on the packaging. The glove is non-sterile and intended for single use only; reuse is not permitted, even after cleaning, as changes in the material cannot be reliably detected.

Technical details

Contents

• 1 pack = 100 Meditrade Nitrile NextGen gloves, blue (see variant selection for size)

Not included: glove dispenser and wall bracket. Larger packs are available as cartons containing 10 packs.

Safety instructions

• For single use only; do not reuse
• Contains dithiocarbamates; do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to this group of substances
• Further information on use can be found in the instructions for use

Customised requirements & procurement service

Do you require larger quantities, a different container size or a different colour for area segregation? Our procurement service can assist you with product selection, framework agreements and regular deliveries. You can find further models in our Nitrile Gloves category.