Gloves

Disposable gloves are among the most heavily used items in medicine, laboratories, catering, food processing and industry. They protect hands from dirt, liquids and chemicals and also stop germs or residues passing from the hand to patients, samples or food.

The category is organised by material. Nitrile gloves are latex-free, tear-resistant and versatile, from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, in blue, black and white, long or chemical-resistant. Latex gloves offer maximum elasticity and touch, powdered or powder-free, up to sterile surgical gloves. Vinyl gloves are the economical choice for short, light tasks with frequent changes.

Typical applications

• GP and dental practices, hospitals and care
• Laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Food processing, catering and serving counters
• Workshops, industry and cleaning
• Beauty, tattoo and hairdressing

What to look for when buying

Choose the material first. Nitrile is the latex-free all-rounder; latex gives the finest touch but is ruled out wherever latex must be avoided; vinyl pays off when gloves are changed very often. Then wall thickness, length, colour and, where relevant, sterility or a stated standard such as EN 374 for chemical protection decide.

Plan size splits for your team, because a poorly fitting glove tears sooner and reduces sensitivity. Most gloves come 100 or 50 to a box with a minimum order of 10 boxes; sterile surgical gloves are ordered in pairs from 50 pairs.

Frequently asked questions