When it comes to medical gloves, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards is non-negotiable. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right ones for your needs? EN455 certification simplifies this process, allowing you to confidently compare single-use medical gloves and trust that they’ve been rigorously evaluated for safety and performance.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) not only enhances workplace safety but also delivers immediate, user-focused benefits. Medical gloves, for instance, serve a dual purpose: they protect healthcare professionals—such as doctors, veterinarians, or first aid responders—from exposure to bodily fluids, harmful chemicals, and bacteria, while simultaneously safeguarding patients from potential infections. For such an affordable and accessible product, the impact of medical gloves is profound. However, not all gloves are created equal. EN455 testing ensures that these gloves meet stringent safety criteria, providing reliable protection against contamination and potentially saving lives in the process.
The last thing anyone wants is for a medical glove to fail during use. To guarantee durability, manufacturers conduct a simple yet effective leak test: each batch of gloves is filled with water to check for leaks or pinholes. If the glove holds the liquid without issue, it passes EN455 Part 1 compliance. This ensures that both the wearer and the patient can trust the gloves to provide reliable protection without compromising safety.
Although they may seem like just a thin layer of material, medical gloves are engineered to be far stronger than they appear. A well-designed glove must provide a snug, friction-free fit while allowing precise handling of tools—many of which are grooved or textured to improve grip. Think about how easily household gloves can tear when pulled on; medical gloves are held to a much higher standard. Their durability is carefully tested based on their intended use and material composition, with surgical gloves requiring stricter performance standards than general examination gloves.
Few people consider the possibility that medical gloves could do more harm than good, but EN455 ensures any risks are minimized. The materials used in gloves must be proven safe for both the wearer and the patient, preventing immediate allergic reactions or long-term health issues. Tests screen for hazardous substances, including:
Chemical Residues: Some chemicals used in glove manufacturing can cause allergic reactions or irritation. EN455 ensures these residues are kept to safe levels.
Powder: While powdered gloves are less common in modern healthcare due to concerns over slowed healing processes, they are still permitted under EN455—albeit with strict controls to ensure safety.
Latex Proteins: Latex allergies are relatively common, and EN455 prohibits unsafe levels of latex proteins and enzymes that could trigger severe allergic reactions.
Endotoxins: These toxins, left behind by bacteria, can cause illnesses such as fever. EN455 ensures such contaminants are kept in check.
Another critical aspect of EN455 testing is ensuring the gloves remain effective over time. Medical gloves must maintain their performance even after being stored in warehouses or during transport. To guarantee this, EN455-certified gloves have an expiration date of no more than five years from their manufacturing date. After this period, their performance may degrade, potentially compromising safety. This is why you’ll often find “best-before” dates clearly labeled on glove packaging.
All our Nitrile Gloves, Latex Gloves and Vinyl Gloves conform to EN455 testing and certificated standards.
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