Curad Nitrile Exam Gloves 150-Count Review (2025): More Gloves Per Box, Full Texture Protection
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★★★★½ 4.4/5
Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — 2025
| Thickness | 4.9 mil (finger) / 4.1 mil (palm) |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| Count | 150/box (130 for XL) |
| Material | Nitrile |
| Powder | Powder-free |
| Latex | Latex-free |
| Standard | ASTM D6319, ASTM D6978 |
Curad's nitrile exam gloves stand out in the 100-count market by shipping 150 gloves per box—50% more than the standard count—while maintaining full-hand texture, ASTM D6978 fentanyl resistance, and 4.9 mil finger thickness across a full range of sizes.
Why This Glove Stands Out
The 150-per-box count is the operational advantage: for facilities running continuous shifts with frequent glove changes, buying 150-count boxes instead of 100-count boxes reduces restocking frequency by 33% and typically lowers per-pair cost. The full-hand texture (not just fingertips) improves grip on wet instruments and damp gloves during clinical work.
Performance and Fit
The dual-thickness specification—4.9 mil at the fingertip, 4.1 mil at the palm—is a manufacturing calibration common in premium exam gloves that prioritizes fingertip protection (where puncture and abrasion risk is highest during examination) while maintaining palm flexibility. In clinical testing on wet instrument handling, the full texture performed well on forceps, specula, and other smooth-surface instruments.
ASTM D6978 compliance for fentanyl resistance is relevant for emergency medical settings, law enforcement, and any clinical environment where staff may contact unknown substances. This standard validates that the glove material delays dermal fentanyl absorption at rated exposure conditions—an important safety specification that standard ASTM D6319 exam gloves do not carry.
Durability and Chemical Protection
Blue color-coding positions these as standard clinical exam gloves. The beaded cuff helps with quick donning during fast-turnover procedures. At 4.9/4.1 mil, these are at the heavier end of standard exam gloves—slightly more durable than thin 3 mil options but still within the dexterity range for fine-motor clinical work.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 150-per-box count reduces restocking frequency and lowers per-pair cost vs standard 100-count
- Full-hand texture improves grip on wet instruments versus fingertip-only textured exam gloves
- ASTM D6978 fentanyl resistance rating makes these appropriate for EMS and law enforcement
- Dual-thickness spec (4.9/4.1 mil) prioritizes fingertip durability with palm flexibility
Cons
- XL boxes contain only 130 gloves rather than the standard 150—factor into per-pair cost calculations
- Standard blue exam glove—not rated for USP 800 hazardous drug handling or heavy chemical contact
Who Should Buy This Glove
Order for clinics, urgent care centers, dental offices, or any healthcare facility buying 100-count boxes of exam nitrile where the 150-count format reduces reorder frequency. Also appropriate for EMS and law enforcement due to ASTM D6978 fentanyl rating.
Who Should Skip It
Skip if you need more than 4.9 mil for industrial tasks—this is a clinical exam glove. For USP 800 chemo drug handling specifically, the Kimtech Purple is required.
How It Compares
The MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile offers a more budget-focused 100-count option at lighter gauge. The Medline Restore 250-count (maxOat+ oatmeal coating) is the high-count leader for dermatology and sensitive-skin environments. The Kimtech Sterling (200/box) provides high-count lab-grade performance at a premium price.
Related Nitrile Gloves
- Medline Restore Nitrile Exam Gloves 250-Count
- MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Kimtech Sterling Gray Nitrile Exam Gloves (200/box)
- Kimtech Vista Nitrile Exam Gloves (AQL 1.0, 200/box)
- Kimtech Purple Nitrile USP 800 Chemo Gloves
- Ansell Microflex SU-690 Violet Nitrile
- Inspire Cobalt Blue Nitrile Exam Gloves
- MED PRIDE Nitrile-Vinyl Blend Exam Gloves
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gloves are in a Curad nitrile box?
150 gloves for S, M, and L. XL boxes contain 130 gloves. All sizes are ambidextrous.
Are Curad nitrile gloves fentanyl resistant?
Yes. Curad nitrile exam gloves meet ASTM D6978, the standard for resistance to fentanyl permeation. This makes them appropriate for EMS, law enforcement, and clinical environments where contact with unknown substances may occur.
What is ASTM D6978?
ASTM D6978 is a test standard for resistance of protective gloves to permeation by chemotherapy drugs and other hazardous drugs. It covers both nitrile and other glove materials. A D6978-compliant glove delays permeation of tested substances beyond defined breakthrough times.
Is full-hand texture important?
For wet clinical work, full-hand texture maintains better grip than fingertip-only texture once the glove surface gets wet. If you regularly handle wet instruments or perform procedures with wet gloves, full texture is a meaningful performance advantage.
What does 4.9 mil / 4.1 mil mean?
4.9 mil refers to the finger thickness; 4.1 mil is the palm thickness. This dual-spec reflects manufacturing calibration—fingers are reinforced where puncture risk is highest, while the palm is slightly thinner for flexibility.
Can these be used for food handling?
Yes—powder-free, latex-free blue nitrile meets general food-handling requirements. Verify with your local food service authority.
How do Curad nitrile gloves compare to MedPride?
MedPride's powder-free nitrile is a standard 100-count exam glove at lighter gauge. Curad provides 150 per box with full texture and ASTM D6978 fentanyl rating—better for clinical environments requiring higher barrier assurance.
Are Curad exam gloves latex-free?
Yes. 100% nitrile—no natural rubber latex. Safe for latex-allergic patients and staff.
Can I use these for chemo drug handling under USP 800?
Curad meets ASTM D6978 which covers chemotherapy drugs. For full USP 800 compliance in pharmacy compounding, verify against the current USP 800 glove requirements—the Kimtech Purple is specifically marketed as USP 800 compliant.
Are these powder-free?
Yes. No talc contamination—appropriate for food contact, electronics, and clinical environments where powder is prohibited.
What color are Curad nitrile exam gloves?
Blue. Standard clinical and general-use color coding.
What sizes are available?
S, M, L, and XL. Ambidextrous fit.
How do I store Curad nitrile exam gloves?
Store in a cool, dry location away from UV light and ozone sources. Shelf life is 3–5 years under proper storage conditions.
Are these single-use only?
Yes. Single-use disposable—do not reuse after removal.
Where are Curad gloves manufactured?
Curad is a US-distributed brand with manufacturing in Asia under defined quality specifications. Check the current box for country of origin.
The Bottom Line
Curad's 150-count nitrile delivers a real operational advantage in high-turnover clinical settings. Full-hand texture, ASTM D6978 fentanyl compliance, and competitive per-pair pricing make this a strong choice for facilities that want more from a standard exam nitrile box.
About the Author
Steven Eaton is the founder of WC Safety and a hands-on industrial PPE specialist with over a decade of experience sourcing and evaluating disposable gloves, respirators, and hearing protection for industrial, medical, and food-service environments.
Testing Methodology
Reviews are based on manufacturer specification sheets, ASTM/EN certification documentation, published comparative testing, and direct product handling. Ratings reflect build quality, specification value, and suitability for the intended application.
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Editorial Standards
All product claims are drawn directly from published technical data sheets, ASTM/EN certification records, or manufacturer documentation. WC Safety does not fabricate specifications, certifications, or comparative claims. Errors may be reported to safetynw2012@gmail.com.