Most people may consider that 'cleanroom' and 'sterilization' are interchangeable terms, but the truth is they have very different and specific conception. Here is the information you need to know about the difference between these two terms.It may help you select the correct glove for your application.

What is a Cleanroom?

A cleanroom is a controlled environment that keeps the level of pollutants, like dust and airborne microbes, to a minimum. Cleanrooms are classified according to the number and size of particles permitted per volume of air.These classes go from Class 10,000 down to Class 1. Classes are based on the maximum particles measuring 0.5 microns per feet cubed. So a class 1 room means there can be 1 micron measuring 0.5 in one foot cubed.For reference, an ordinary room has 1,000,000 particles per one foot cubed. These rooms need to be carefully maintained and one way to do this is by continuously removing particles through HEPA filtration.

How are Gloves Cleanroom Processed?

Gloves must be washed in water that has been filtered to .002 micron to be considered cleanroom processed. By comparison, municipal tap water is filtered to 20 microns.The gloves must undergo three washes to remove excess particulate. After washing, they are inspected and packed on stainless-steel tables, then heat-sealed in poly bags and double packed.

This may seem excessive, but cleanroom processed gloves are primarily used in industries like pharmaceutical, electronic assembly and automotive paint line — where contamination from dust or skin particles can be a costly concern.

Can Any Glove Be Cleanroom Processed?

Because certain fibers and palm coatings have higher levels of particulate shed, not all fibers can be cleanroom processed.

By being seamless-knit, lint-free, non-shedding fibers, Nylon and HPPE are preferred. HPPE also has the added bonus of offering a medium level of cut resistance.

Polyurethane is the preferred palm coating because it’s non-shedding and provides a lightweight coating that doesn’t interfere with touch sensitivity.

What Makes a Glove Sterile?

To be considered a sterile glove, it has to be treated to be bacteria free. This is done by using radiation to kill microorganisms that live with the fabric. The process is called gamma irradiation processing.

Can Any Glove Be Sterilized?

Any glove can be sterilized, so it comes down to purpose. The main areas that need sterilized products is surgical and medical fields. So you could sterilize a leather split-fitters glove but there wouldn't be much benefit.

Typically, gloves are sterilized by request based on the specific quantity order. This way, gloves aren't sitting around on shelves which increases the risk of contamination.

Now that you can tell the difference between these two processes.Shop on Pidegree Medical Now!We can provide you many choices of disposable gloves.