5.1 The specification is intended as a reference to the performance and safety of rubber surgical gloves. The safe and proper use of rubber surgical gloves is beyond the scope of this specification.

This specification covers certain requirements for packaged sterile rubber surgical gloves of the natural rubber latex type (Type 1) and of the synthetic rubber latex type (Type 2). The gloves shall be manufactured from any rubber polymer compound, with the inside and outside surfaces of the gloves free of talc and with dimensions and physical properties that shall conform to the requirements specified. Tests for sterility, freedom from holes, physical dimensions, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, stress at elongation, powder-free residue, powder amount, protein content, and antigenic protein content shall be performed to assess the conformance of the rubber gloves with the requirements specified.

1.1 This specification covers certain requirements for packaged sterile rubber surgical gloves used in conducting surgical procedures.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 8, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.