Nitrile vs Latex Gloves: Thickness, AQL, Disposal & Standards in Medical Use

Posted by Alpha Medical Solutions on Mon 28 Jul 2025

Medical gloves are a frontline defence against infection and contamination. Two of the most common types used in healthcare are latex and nitrile gloves. While both meet medical-grade requirements, they differ in thickness, durability, allergy risk, and regulatory considerations.

Glove Thickness: Balancing Dexterity and Protection

Why it matters:

Glove thickness (measured in mils, where 1 mil = 0.001 inch) determines barrier strength, durability, and tactile sensitivity.

Latex Gloves

  • Typical thickness: 4–6 mil for exam gloves.
  • Naturally elastic, offering excellent tactile sensitivity even when thinner.
  • Suitable for examinations and procedures where precision is essential.

Nitrile Gloves

  • Typical thickness: 4–8 mil depending on application.
  • More puncture- and tear-resistant, especially at higher thickness.
  • Preferred for high-risk environments (emergency, surgical prep, handling chemotherapy or chemicals).

Clinical Takeaway:

  • Thinner gloves = better dexterity (ideal for exams, delicate tasks).
  • Thicker gloves = stronger barrier (ideal for surgery, infectious or high-risk exposure).

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): The Barrier Integrity Standard

What is AQL?


The Acceptable Quality Level measures the allowable number of pinholes or defects per batch of gloves. Lower AQL = stronger quality control.
  • Medical Examination Gloves → AQL 1.5 (standard for patient care).
  • Surgical Gloves → AQL 0.65 (higher standard, fewer defects allowed).
  • Industrial Gloves → Often AQL 2.5 or higher, not suitable for clinical use.

Latex vs Nitrile AQL:

  • Both latex and nitrile gloves are manufactured to meet AQL 1.5 (exam) and 0.65 (surgical).
  • Nitrile offers greater consistency in defect control since it’s synthetic, while latex relies on natural variability.
Clinical takeaway: Always check glove certification for AQL rating to ensure compliance with medical use.

Proper Glove Disposal in Healthcare

Correct disposal is essential to reduce cross-infection and environmental impact.
  • Step 1 – Safe Removal: Use glove-to-glove, skin-to-skin technique to avoid contamination.
  • Step 2 – Waste Segregation:
    • Clinical/Biohazard Waste (yellow bins): Gloves contaminated with blood, body fluids, infectious material.
    • General Waste: Non-contaminated gloves (though still single-use).
  • Step 3 – Hand Hygiene: Wash or sanitise immediately after glove removal.
  • Step 4 – Never Reuse: Washing or disinfecting degrades glove integrity.

Environmental note:

  • Latex is biodegradable but slow to decompose in landfill.
  • Nitrile is synthetic and less biodegradable, though newer eco-formulations exist.

Regulatory Standards for Medical Gloves

Australia

  • TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration):
    • All medical gloves (latex and nitrile) are regulated as medical devices under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
    • Must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
    • Gloves must comply with AS/NZS 4011 (single-use medical examination gloves) and AS/NZS 4179 (surgical gloves).
  • Work Health & Safety (WHS): Disposal of contaminated gloves must follow Safe Work Australia infection control guidelines.

International

  • FDA (USA): Medical gloves are Class I medical devices, tested under ASTM standards.
  • EN 455 (Europe): Defines requirements for single-use medical gloves, including AQL, strength, and shelf life.
  • ISO 11193 & ISO 10282: International standards for exam and surgical gloves.
Clinical takeaway (Australia): Only use gloves TGA-approved and ARTG-listed for patient care. Check compliance with AS/NZS 4011 & 4179 for medical and surgical applications.

Latex vs Nitrile Gloves: Medical Use Comparison

Feature

Latex Gloves

Nitrile Gloves

Typical Thickness

4–6 mil (exam); thinner, excellent dexterity

4–8 mil (exam/surgical); thicker, stronger protection

Tactile Sensitivity

Superior due to natural elasticity

Good, but reduced in thicker designs

AQL (Barrier Quality)

Exam: AQL 1.5
Surgical: AQL 0.65

Exam: AQL 1.5
Surgical: AQL 0.65

Allergy Risk

Higher (latex protein sensitivity)

Hypoallergenic (latex-free)

Durability

Can tear more easily when exposed to alcohols/oils

Highly puncture- and tear-resistant

Disposal

Single-use only
Biohazard waste if contaminated

Single-use only
Biohazard waste if contaminated

Biodegradability

Natural, biodegradable (slow in landfill)

Synthetic, less biodegradable (eco variants emerging)

Australian Standards

AS/NZS 4011 (exam)
AS/NZS 4179 (surgical)
TGA-approved & ARTG-listed

AS/NZS 4011 (exam)
AS/NZS 4179 (surgical)
TGA-approved & ARTG-listed

Nitrile or latex gloves? Well we really hope we were able to help you in our 2 part blog.

At Alpha Medical Solutions, we understand that every healthcare situation is different. That’s why we supply both nitrile and latex gloves, ensuring that professionals can choose the right protection for every task.

Explore our full range of latex gloves and nitrile gloves today.

Alpha Medical Solutions Pty Ltd.
Call us on: 1300-783-747 
Email: info@alphamedicalsolutions.com.au

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What thickness should I choose for medical gloves?
Thinner gloves (around 4–5 mil) offer better dexterity and tactile sensitivity, while thicker gloves (6–8 mil) provide stronger barrier protection for high-risk procedures.

2. What does AQL mean for medical gloves?
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) measures glove quality and pinhole defects. For medical use, look for AQL 1.5 (examination) or AQL 0.65 (surgical).

3. Which is safer: latex or nitrile gloves?
Both are safe when certified, but nitrile is more puncture-resistant and hypoallergenic, while latex provides superior tactile sensitivity but may cause allergic reactions.

4. How should I dispose of medical gloves?
Gloves contaminated with blood or bodily fluids should be disposed of in biohazard waste bins. Non-contaminated gloves can go in general waste. Always wash hands after removal.

5. What standards should medical gloves meet in Australia?
Medical gloves must be TGA-approved and listed on the ARTG, meeting AS/NZS 4011 (examination gloves) or AS/NZS 4179 (surgical gloves).

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