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Related Experiment Videos

Laboratory gloves as a source of trace element contamination

J K Friel1, C Mercer, W L Andrews

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

Biological Trace Element Research
|August 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Laboratory gloves can contaminate trace element analysis. Only three vinyl glove brands were suitable, while latex gloves were unsuitable due to high element levels. Acid-washing is recommended for chosen vinyl gloves.

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Area of Science:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Laboratory Safety

Background:

  • Trace element analysis requires stringent contamination control.
  • Laboratory gloves are a potential source of elemental contamination.
  • Previous research has not comprehensively evaluated glove contamination in trace element labs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the suitability of vinyl and latex gloves for trace element analysis.
  • To identify sources of trace element contamination from laboratory gloves.
  • To provide recommendations for glove selection and preparation in trace element laboratories.

Main Methods:

  • Acquired vinyl and latex gloves from multiple manufacturers.
  • Subjected gloves to acid-washing and acid immersion (1 min, 1 h).

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  • Analyzed glove washes for trace elements using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

    • Main Results:

    • Three vinyl glove brands met acceptable contamination standards.
    • Other vinyl glove brands and all latex gloves exhibited significant elemental contamination.
    • Latex gloves showed high levels of biologically important elements, deeming them unsuitable.

    Conclusions:

    • Routine acid-washing is essential for preparing selected vinyl gloves for trace element work.
    • Careful selection of vinyl gloves is critical to prevent contamination.
    • Latex gloves are not recommended for routine trace element laboratory applications.