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Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find a list of the most commonly asked questions. If you don't feel like reading or can't find the answer you
are looking for, give us a call at 800-523-2055, send us a text at 414-421-2229, or send us an email at dash@dashmedical.com.
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General Information About Disposable Gloves

▶ What are disposable examination gloves used for?
Disposable examination gloves provide barrier protection against germs, chemicals, and contaminants, making them essential in healthcare, dentistry, laboratories, food handling, cleaning, and industrial environments.

▶ What types of disposable gloves are available?
Nitrile Gloves – Latex-free, highly durable, and resistant to punctures and chemicals. Ideal for medical and industrial applications.

Latex Gloves – Natural rubber gloves with excellent elasticity and comfort. Best for precision tasks but unsuitable for those with latex allergies.

Vinyl Gloves – Cost-effective, lightweight, and suitable for low-risk, short-duration tasks such as food preparation.

Polychloroprene (Neoprene) Gloves – Provide the comfort of latex with the strength of nitrile. Excellent chemical resistance and flexibility.

Cast Polyethylene (CPE) Gloves – Loose-fitting, embossed gloves commonly used in food service and quick-change tasks.
Sizing and Fit

▶ How do I choose the right glove size?
• Our disposable examination gloves are available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL.

• Measure across the widest part of your palm.

• Choose the size that provides a snug but comfortable fit, allowing for dexterity without restricting movement.

• See our sizing guide below for more guidance:

DASH Medical Glove Sizing Guide

▶ Why does glove fit matter?
• Comfort during extended wear.

• Dexterity and grip for precision tasks.

• Reduced tearing risk with tight gloves.

• Improved protection. Loose gloves may slip or allow contamination.


Choosing the Right Glove for Your Application

▶ What guidance can you provide to help choose the right glove?
Our User Performance Needs chart helps narrow down the type of glove needed. On our website, dashmedical.com, you can filter on User Performance Needs in the left navigation bar after selecting product and polymer.

You can also find your perfect glove with our Glove Finder Tool.

Find the right glove table

Sidebar filtering navigation
Allergies, Sensitivities & Skin Health

▶ Are your gloves latex-free?
Yes. We offer latex and latex-free options including nitrile, vinyl, polychloroprene, cast poly, and gloves with low dermatitis potential rating (accelerator-free nitrile) for sensitive users.

▶ What are Low Dermatitis Potential rated (Accelerator-Free) Gloves?
Gloves made without chemical accelerators (like thiurams, carbamates, or MBTs) that may trigger allergic contact dermatitis. These gloves are ideal for users with sensitive skin or chronic glove-related dermatitis.

Low Dermatitis Potential glove options:

• Alasta® with Aloe Nitrile Exam Gloves

• Black Maxx® Extreme Nitrile Gloves

▶ What does “Low Dermatitis Potential” mean?
Gloves with this designation are engineered to minimize skin irritation and reduce allergic reactions, making them suitable for long-term healthcare professionals, dental workers, and frequent glove users.


Gloves Tested Against Fentanyl and Xylazine

View Our Hazardous Drug Rated Gloves Here

▶ Why does fentanyl and xylazine testing matter?
Fentanyl and xylazine are dangerous substances increasingly encountered in emergency, law enforcement, and healthcare settings. Gloves that are tested provide assurance of barrier protection against accidental skin exposure, helping protect frontline workers.

▶ How are these gloves tested?
Our gloves undergo independent permeation testing based on ASTM D6978 standards, originally developed for chemotherapy drugs. This ensures they maintain integrity when exposed to fentanyl and xylazine solutions.

▶ Which gloves are tested against Fentanyl?
See our list of products tested against Fentanyl here. All Black Maxx® Nitrile styles are tested against fentanyl and our new Black Maxx® Extreme nitrile gloves are tested against Fentanyl and Xylazine.

▶ Do you have any gloves tested against Xylazine?
Yes, our new Black Maxx® Extreme nitrile gloves are tested against Xylazine.

▶ Are Fentanyl and Xylazine-Tested gloves still medical grade?
Yes. All tested gloves remain medical grade, powder-free, and compliant with FDA and ASTM requirements, so they deliver both safety and comfort in clinical and field use.
Safety and Performance

▶ Which gloves are most durable?
Nitrile & Polychloroprene: Excellent durability, puncture, and chemical resistance.

Latex: High elasticity and tactile sensitivity.

Vinyl & Cast Poly: Lightweight and economical, best for low-risk or food-handling tasks.

▶ Are these gloves powder-free?
Yes, all of our disposable examination gloves are powder-free.

▶ Are disposable gloves safe for food handling?
Absolutely. Our vinyl, nitrile, cast poly, and polychloroprene gloves are FDA-approved for food contact. Always check the product specifications for food-safe labeling.


Proper Use

▶ Can disposable gloves be reused?
No. Disposable examination gloves are single-use only. Reusing gloves can lead to contamination, reduced protection, and glove failure.

▶ How should gloves be disposed of?
Used gloves should be properly discarded in accordance with local regulations. Do not recycle through household programs due to contamination risks.
Storage and Shelf Life

▶ How should disposable gloves be stored?
Store in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight, heat, and chemicals.

▶ What is the shelf life of disposable gloves?
Typically 3–5 years, depending on the glove material. Nitrile and polychloroprene have longer shelf lives, while latex may degrade faster.


Compliance and Quality Standards

▶ Are your gloves medical grade?
Yes. Our nitrile, vinyl (select styles), latex, and polychloroprene examination gloves meet FDA and ASTM standards for medical use. Note that our bulk packaged gloves are not medical grade.

▶ Are your gloves tested for chemical resistance?
Yes. Nitrile and polychloroprene gloves in particular are tested against a wide range of chemicals. A chemical resistance chart is available for reference. Our Black Maxx® Extreme nitrile gloves hold the widest chemical testing.
Environmental Considerations

▶ Are disposable gloves environmentally friendly?
Refer to our Environmental Insights article for more information on disposable gloves and environmental impact.