Laboratory Disposable Gloves for Chemical, Biological, and Clinical Protection

Laboratory disposable gloves are available in nitrile (3–8 mil, latex-free, AQL ≤ 2.5, ASTM D6319), natural rubber latex (ASTM D3578, tensile strength ≥ 21 MPa), and vinyl formats, all powder-free for bench work, biological sample handling, and chemical protection. Medical-grade exam gloves meet FDA AQL 2.5 requirements; 100 gloves per box, 10 boxes per case. MBP supplies labs across the United States, Canada, and internationally with PO and Quick Order procurement at mbpinc.net.

Need help selecting the right laboratory gloves for your application? Contact customerservice@mbpinc.net for product recommendations, pricing, and procurement support.

Gloves

Per Page:

Sort By:

What are laboratory disposable gloves?

Laboratory disposable gloves are single-use hand protection items worn to create a barrier between the user’s skin and biological samples, chemicals, pharmaceutical materials, and contamination-sensitive surfaces. Nitrile (nitrile butadiene rubber, NBR) is the dominant material in modern labs — it is latex-free, approximately three times more puncture-resistant than natural rubber latex, and chemically resistant to oils, dilute acids and bases, and many common organic solvents. Latex gloves retain higher elasticity and tactile sensitivity and remain preferred in applications where dexterity is more important than latex allergy concerns. Vinyl (PVC) gloves are a low-cost option used only for low-risk, non-hazardous tasks.

What you will find:

Nitrile gloves for superior chemical and biological resistance
Latex gloves for high flexibility and maximum tactile sensitivity

How to choose laboratory gloves

Material

Nitrile is the standard choice for most laboratories because it is latex-free, chemically resistant, and widely available in medical-grade specifications. It is suitable for molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical QC, and general chemical handling. Latex gloves provide better elasticity and tactile sensitivity but carry allergy risks. Vinyl gloves are only suitable for non-hazardous tasks such as sample labeling or light cleaning duties.

Thickness

Thin gloves (around 3 mil) are used when high dexterity is required, such as pipetting or delicate cell work. Medium thickness (4–5 mil) is the standard for general laboratory use. Thicker gloves (6–8 mil) are used for handling hazardous chemicals or when higher puncture resistance is needed.

Medical-grade vs industrial-grade

Medical-grade gloves (AQL ≤ 2.5) are tested for tighter defect limits and are required for biological, pharmaceutical, and regulated laboratory workflows. Industrial-grade gloves (AQL 4.0) have higher allowable defect rates and are not suitable for contamination-sensitive or clinical environments.

Powder-free requirement

Only powder-free gloves are used in laboratories because powdered gloves can contaminate cell cultures, PCR reactions, and analytical instruments. Powdered medical gloves are no longer permitted in healthcare settings due to contamination and inhalation risks.

Chemical resistance

Nitrile gloves resist oils, dilute acids, dilute bases, and many solvents, but they do not protect well against strong ketones (like acetone), aromatic solvents (like toluene), or strong oxidizers. Selection should always match the specific chemical exposure and duration of contact.

Specifications context

ASTM D6319 defines requirements for nitrile exam gloves, including tensile strength and elongation standards, while ASTM D3578 covers natural rubber latex gloves. Medical-grade gloves must meet AQL 2.5 standards and often require regulatory clearance depending on the region and intended use. Standard packaging is 1,000 gloves per case (10 boxes of 100), with typical glove lengths around 9–9.5 inches and beaded cuffs for improved durability. As of 2026, powder-free nitrile gloves in the 4–5 mil range remain the most widely used disposable PPE item in research and clinical laboratories.

Get in touch with MBP and equip your lab with gloves built for comfort, control, and confidence. Contact our team today to find your perfect fit and request a quote.

FAQ

Laboratory disposable gloves are available in three primary materials: nitrile (synthetic rubber, latex-free, 3–8 mil thickness, chemical and puncture resistant), natural rubber latex (highest elasticity and tactile sensitivity, 4–9 mil, unsuitable for latex-allergic personnel), and vinyl (PVC, low cost, low chemical resistance, suitable for low-risk non-hazardous tasks). Nitrile is the dominant format in modern labs due to its latex-free construction, broad chemical resistance, and puncture resistance approximately three times greater than latex.

Medical-grade (exam-grade) gloves are FDA-regulated and must meet an acceptable quality level (AQL) of 2.5 or lower — meaning fewer than 2.5% of gloves in a batch may have defects. Industrial-grade gloves carry a more lenient AQL of 4.0, are not FDA-regulated, and are designed for general-purpose tasks. For laboratory work involving biological samples, pathogens, chemicals, or pharmaceutical materials, medical-grade gloves with AQL ≤ 2.5 are the correct specification.

Nitrile lab gloves are available in 3 mil (thin, maximum dexterity), 4–5 mil (standard exam-grade, balance of protection and tactile sensitivity), and 6–8 mil (heavy-duty, increased puncture and chemical resistance). For routine molecular biology and general bench work, 4–5 mil nitrile exam gloves are standard. For handling concentrated acids, bases, or cytotoxic materials, 6 mil or heavier provides meaningful additional protection, though glove-specific chemical resistance charts must always be consulted.

Powder-free gloves are required in most modern laboratory settings. The FDA banned the use of powdered medical gloves in healthcare settings in 2016, citing risks from airborne powder particles contaminating sterile fields and causing patient sensitization. In research and pharmaceutical labs, powder (typically cornstarch) interferes with cell culture, PCR assays, protein work, and electronic components. Powder-free nitrile and latex gloves are the standard specification for laboratory use.

AQL (acceptable quality level) measures the maximum percentage of defective gloves statistically acceptable in a production batch. AQL 1.5 is the strictest standard, used for sterile surgical gloves in operating environments. AQL 2.5 is the FDA requirement for medical/exam-grade gloves — appropriate for laboratory work with biological samples, chemicals, and pharmaceutical materials. AQL 4.0 applies to industrial-grade gloves for general-purpose non-medical tasks. Specify AQL ≤ 2.5 for any lab work with infection, chemical, or contamination risk.

Nitrile gloves provide good resistance to oils, greases, dilute acids, dilute bases, and many common laboratory solvents. They do not protect against ketones (acetone, MEK), aromatic solvents (benzene, toluene), strong oxidizing acids (nitric acid, perchloric acid), or chlorinated solvents (chloroform, dichloromethane). Always consult the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance chart for the specific chemical and concentration before use. Breakthrough time — not just resistance — must be checked for extended contact.

Disposable lab gloves are available in extra-small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), and extra-large (XL). Ambidextrous construction (fits either hand) is standard for most disposable exam gloves. Nitrile gloves are typically 9–9.5 inches in length with a beaded cuff for secure donning. Sizing is based on hand width — check the manufacturer's size chart for specific hand width measurements when ordering for a diverse workforce.

MBP supports purchase order and Quick Order procurement for laboratory gloves in the United States, Canada, and internationally. MBP is a registered vendor for Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Vanderbilt University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Eurofins. Standard case quantities are 1,000 gloves (10 boxes of 100). For volume pricing or PO submission, contact MBP at mbpinc.net.

We provide the highest quality of products and anytime customer service.

Featured Categories

Useful Links

Returns & Exchanges

Terms & Conditions of sale

+1 416-549-8100

customerservice@mbpinc.net

online payment

fast delivery

technical support

24/7 support