Disposable gloves are used in a wide range of settings. While medical and non-medical gloves may look alike, they are designed for different purposes and must meet different quality and regulatory standards. Understanding the differences ensures proper protection, safety, and compliance.
What is a Medical Glove?
Medical gloves are made for healthcare and clinical settings where hygiene and protection are critical. They shield hands from infections, blood, and other bodily fluids.
Common types:
- Examination Gloves – for routine checks and patient contact.
- Surgical Gloves – sterile gloves for surgeries or invasive procedures, offering higher precision and sensitivity.
What is a Non-Medical Glove?
Non-medical gloves are intended for everyday or industrial tasks. They protect against dirt, chemicals, and minor hazards, making them suitable for food handling, cleaning, manufacturing, and light industrial work.
Common types:
- Household Gloves – for cleaning, dishwashing, and domestic tasks.
- Industrial Gloves – for manufacturing, automotive, or construction work, offering durability and chemical resistance.
Understanding AQL
A key factor that sets medical gloves apart is the Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL). AQL measures the maximum number of defective gloves allowed in a batch.
Example: In a batch of 100 gloves with an AQL of 2.5, no more than 2 gloves can have defects. Lower AQL means stricter quality control and higher reliability, which is crucial in medical environments where safety is essential.
Non-medical gloves usually have a higher AQL, around 4.0, which is acceptable for low-risk tasks but not for medical use.
Choosing the Right Gloves
The main differences between medical and non-medical gloves are purpose, quality, and inspection standards. Medical gloves are tested more rigorously, making them suitable for high-risk environments. Non-medical gloves are practical, cost-effective, and fit for everyday tasks.
Puritex offers high-quality nitrile and latex gloves for both medical and industrial use. Durable, comfortable, and reliable, our gloves provide protection you can trust every day.
For more information about Puritex glove solutions, please contact +603 80664499 or whatsapp +60162118711.
No comment