Gloves

Quick Answer: These are protective laboratory gloves, worn to keep hands away from specimens, preservatives, stains and microbes, and to protect samples from the wearer. The listing does not state the material, so the right type should be chosen for the task.

Choosing a Glove Material

Most gloves used in teaching labs are disposable examination-style gloves in one of three materials. Nitrile resists many chemicals and punctures well and suits people with latex allergy. Natural latex is stretchy and gives a close fit and good touch, but can cause allergic reactions. Vinyl is inexpensive and adequate for short, low-risk tasks, but fits loosely and protects less. Heavier reusable rubber or neoprene gloves are used for washing glassware and handling cleaning chemicals.

The title is simply ‘Gloves’, and the listing does not state the material, whether the gloves are powdered or powder-free, or the sizes, so tell LabEquip the task, material and size range you need. No glove resists every chemical: formalin, solvents and concentrated acids each attack some materials faster than others, so check a chemical-resistance chart for the substances you handle and change gloves when they are splashed.

Gloves protect only when they are used correctly. Teach students to put them on with clean, dry hands, to avoid touching their face, phones or door handles while gloved, and to remove them by peeling them inside out so the outer surface never touches skin, then to wash their hands.

Specifications

Applications

• Dissection and handling of preserved specimens
• Microbiology practicals, protecting both the user and the culture
• Preparing and using stains and dilute chemical solutions
• Handling soil, water and plant samples in ecology fieldwork

Care & Handling

• Store boxes of disposable gloves in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, which weakens latex and nitrile.
• Never wash and reuse disposable gloves; discard them after each task or as soon as they tear.
• Dispose of gloves used with biological material as biological waste.

Why Choose LabEquip

Gloves are a routine reorder for school, college and hospital teaching labs. LabEquip supplies them with dissection and specimen-handling items such as the dissecting tray in its Biology Lab Products range; share the material and sizes you need via the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which glove material suits dissection of preserved specimens?

Nitrile is the usual choice, because it resists many preservatives and chemicals and does not cause latex allergy. Change gloves if they are splashed or torn.

What are the signs of latex allergy?

Itching, redness or a rash where the gloves touch the skin, and in some people sneezing or more serious reactions. Anyone with a latex allergy should use nitrile or vinyl gloves.

Why do many labs choose powder-free gloves?

Powder can contaminate samples and carries latex proteins into the air, so powder-free gloves are preferred for most lab work.

How should gloves be removed safely?

Pinch the outside of one glove at the wrist and peel it off inside out, hold it in the gloved hand, slide a clean finger under the second glove and peel it off over the first. Then wash your hands.

Do gloves protect against heat?

No. Disposable gloves melt or give no insulation. Use heat-resistant gloves or tongs for hot glassware and apparatus.

How do I choose the right size?

Gloves should fit snugly without stretching tight across the palm. Loose fingertips reduce grip and dexterity, while tight gloves tear easily.

Last Updated: September 2026