1.1This guide is intended to assist in the identification and application of the most appropriate ASTM and associated standards for the assessment, development of specifications, and selection of medical gloves with the ultimate goal of maintaining the safety and health of healthcare workers who may come into contact with biological and chemical hazards.
1.2No guidance document or assessment protocol can ensure the selection of medical gloves that guarantees healthcare worker protection. The purpose of testing and assessing medical gloves is to generate the performance data and quality information that will allow the most appropriate assessment and selection of medical gloves. Ultimately, the selection of medical gloves shall be based on the evaluation of available technical data, quality information, and professional assessment of risk.
1.3This 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.