Question 1

What is the difference between nitrile, latex, and vinyl medical gloves?

Accepted Answer

Nitrile gloves are synthetic rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene) — the most widely used examination glove material; latex-free (no allergy risk from natural rubber proteins); strong chemical resistance (blood, bodily fluids, many chemicals); good tactile sensitivity; appropriate for most clinical examination and procedure tasks; ASTM D6319 is the standard. Latex gloves are natural rubber — superior elasticity and tactile sensitivity; latex allergy is a contraindication (estimated 1–6% of healthcare workers have latex sensitisation); the preferred material for complex surgical procedures requiring maximum feel; declining use due to allergy risk; ASTM D3578 is the standard. Vinyl gloves are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) — least expensive; lowest barrier protection and poorest fit vs nitrile/latex; not recommended for clinical use involving blood/body fluid exposure; acceptable for low-risk non-sterile tasks (food service, cleaning); ASTM D5250 is the standard. Polyisoprene gloves are synthetic isoprene — designed to match latex's feel and elasticity without the allergy risk; used in surgical settings where latex feel is required but latex allergy is a concern; significantly more expensive than nitrile.

Question 2

What is a typical MOQ and price range for wholesale medical gloves?

Accepted Answer

Medical gloves are sold by the box (100 gloves/box examination, 50 pairs/box surgical) and by the carton (typically 10 boxes per carton). Indicative wholesale pricing (ex-works Malaysia/China, nitrile examination gloves, sizes S/M/L/XL, AQL 1.5): Malaysian top-tier (Top Glove, Hartalega, Kossan): USD 4–8/box of 100 at 1,000+ boxes. Chinese certified manufacturer: USD 2.50–5/box of 100 at 2,000+ boxes. Nitrile surgical gloves (sterile pairs): USD 1.50–4/pair at 500+ pairs. The practical MOQ for gloves is typically 1 full pallet (approximately 100–200 cartons = 1,000–2,000 boxes depending on carton configuration) to achieve competitive pricing. Annual supply agreements with price protection clauses (indexed to nitrile butadiene rubber spot price) are strongly recommended for healthcare providers procuring gloves — spot price volatility during COVID-19 demonstrated the risk of spot purchasing.

Question 3

What ASTM levels are required for surgical masks?

Accepted Answer

ASTM F2100 defines three performance levels for medical face masks in the US: Level 1 (low barrier) — BFE ≥95% at 0.1μm; fluid resistance ≥80mmHg; ΔP <4.0mmH₂O/cm² (breathability); appropriate for low fluid exposure procedures, general care, non-OR clinical environments. Level 2 (moderate barrier) — BFE ≥98% at 0.1μm; fluid resistance ≥120mmHg; ΔP <5.0mmH₂O/cm²; appropriate for moderate fluid exposure risk. Level 3 (high barrier) — BFE ≥98% at 0.1μm; fluid resistance ≥160mmHg; ΔP <5.0mmH₂O/cm²; required for surgical procedures with fluid splash/spray risk. The EU equivalent standard is EN 14683 with Type I (BFE ≥95%), Type II (BFE ≥98%), and Type IIR (Type II plus fluid resistance at 120mmHg). For operating room use, always specify ASTM Level 3 or EN 14683 Type IIR. N95 respirators (NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84, ≥95% filtration of ≥0.3μm particles) are respiratory protective devices — distinct from surgical masks and required for airborne infection precautions.

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Malaysia, China, and Thailand: glove sourcing geography

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between nitrile, latex, and vinyl medical gloves?

What is a typical MOQ and price range for wholesale medical gloves?

What ASTM levels are required for surgical masks?

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