Evaluation of powdered latex medical gloves using ASTM D 6124-00

Natural rubber latex proteins are recognized as a cause of Type I (Immediat e Type Hypersensitivity) reaction in some individuals who have been exposed to latex devices. Residual former-release, stripping, and/or donning powde rs have been found to carry these allergenic proteins into the air during h andling and use. Exposure to airborne glove powder contaminated with latex allergens is known to provoke respiratory allergic symptoms in latex-sensit ized individuals and may make it difficult for these individuals to continu e working in jobs involving such exposure. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed a maximum level of 120 mg of donning powder/particulates per glove on powdered gloves. A survey was conducted to determine current powde r levels on commercially available powdered latex patient examination glove s and surgeons' gloves. Ninety-seven samples of powdered latex medical glov es representing 32 different brands produced by foreign and domestic manufa cturers for the U.S. market were evaluated for residual powders per glove b y ASTM D 6124-00, Standard Test Method for Residual Powder on Medical Glove s. Powder levels ranged from 37 to 260 mg per glove for patient examination gloves and 30 to 513 mg per glove for surgeons' gloves. Of the gloves test ed, 55.7% met the new maximum powder guidelines.