The specification is intended as a referee procedure for evaluating the performance and safety of poly(vinyl chloride) examination gloves. The safe and proper use of poly(vinyl chloride) examination gloves is beyond the scope of this standard.

This specification contains procedures for evaluating the performance and safety of poly(vinyl chloride) gloves for use in conducting medical examinations, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and handling contaminated medical materials. The products covered by this specification include poly(vinyl chloride) gloves that fit either hand, paired gloves, and gloves by size and packaged sterile or nonsterile or bulk nonsterile. This specification does not include two-dimensional heat sealed poly(vinyl chloride) gloves. An approved lubricant for absorbable dusting powder may be applied to the gloves. Other lubricants may also be used, provided, that their safety and efficacy have been previously established. Both the inside and outside surface of the glove should be free of talc. All products should meet the required degree of sterility, freedom from holes, physical requirements before and after ageing, amount of powder on the glove, tensile strength and ultimate elongation.