Kimtech Purple Nitrile Exam Gloves Review (2025): USP 800 Chemo-Rated Protection for Pharmacy and Oncology
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★★★★½ 4.7/5
Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — 2025
| Thickness | 5.9 mil |
|---|---|
| Color | Purple |
| Count | 50 gloves/box |
| Cuff | Extended length |
| Material | Nitrile |
| Powder | Powder-free |
| Latex | Latex-free |
| Standard | USP <800>, ASTM D6978-05 |
The Kimtech Purple is the clinical standard for USP <800> compliant chemo drug handling—5.9 mil purple nitrile with an extended cuff, ASTM D6978-05 permeation resistance, and Kimberly-Clark's manufacturing quality, in the purple colorway that universally signals hazardous drug preparation in pharmacy and oncology environments.
Why This Glove Stands Out
USP <800> specifically dictates glove requirements for handling NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs: gloves must be tested per ASTM D6978 (standard for chemo drug permeation resistance), changed every 30 minutes during compounding, and double-gloving is required for some scenarios. The Kimtech Purple is built to this compliance framework—not just a general nitrile claiming chemical resistance.
Performance and Fit
At 5.9 mil with an extended cuff, the Purple provides the gauge and wrist coverage required during compounding operations where hazardous drugs are weighed, mixed, and transferred. The extended cuff overlaps with gowning to eliminate the gap between glove and sleeve—critical for NIOSH-listed drugs where even minimal dermal contact is unacceptable. Purple universally signals chemo-rated in hospital and pharmacy environments.
ASTM D6978-05 is the specific permeation test for chemotherapy agents. It tests resistance to hazardous drugs including nitrogen mustard, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and others at defined exposure durations. Passing this test is required by USP 800 for compounding personnel. Kimtech's documentation of this compliance makes procurement straightforward for pharmacy directors and compliance officers.
Durability and Chemical Protection
The 50-per-box count reflects chemo compounding frequency—50 pair changes of 30 minutes each equals 25 hours of compounding time. Facilities running extended compounding shifts will consume boxes quickly; the per-pair cost at this specification is premium relative to standard exam gloves, but it is the appropriate specification for the application. Double-gloving with the same or compatible glove type is standard practice for certain high-hazard compounds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- USP <800> compliant with ASTM D6978-05 permeation resistance for NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs
- 5.9 mil with extended cuff provides the gauge and wrist coverage required during compounding
- Purple color universally identifies chemo-rated gloves in pharmacy and oncology environments
- Kimberly-Clark manufacturing documentation simplifies pharmacy compliance audits
Cons
- 50 per box at premium pricing—appropriate for compounding frequency, but high per-pair cost
- Overkill and cost-prohibitive for non-hazardous-drug clinical environments
Who Should Buy This Glove
Order for pharmacy compounding facilities, oncology nursing units, hospital pharmacies, and research labs handling NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs. Required wherever USP 800 compliance mandates ASTM D6978-rated gloves.
Who Should Skip It
Skip for standard clinical, food service, or industrial use—this glove is overspec and overpriced for non-hazardous-drug environments. For general exam use, the Medline Restore, Curad 150-count, or Kimtech Sterling are more economical choices.
How It Compares
The Kimtech Polaris adds EN 374 chemical breadth for lab use. The Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 (EN 374, extended cuff, 8.3 mil) is the heavy-chemical alternative. The Microflex Supreno SE (accelerator-free) addresses glove dermatitis for staff who need chemo protection and have accelerator sensitivity.
Related Nitrile Gloves
- Kimtech Polaris EN 374 Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Kimtech Sterling Gray Nitrile (200/box)
- Kimtech Vista Nitrile Exam Gloves (AQL 1.0)
- Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 Chemical-Resistant
- Microflex Supreno SE Accelerator-Free Nitrile
- Ansell Microflex SU-690 Violet Nitrile
- Curad Nitrile Exam Gloves 150-Count (ASTM D6978)
- Inspire Cobalt Blue Nitrile Exam Gloves
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is USP <800>?
USP 800 is a United States Pharmacopeia standard for handling hazardous drugs in healthcare settings. It mandates specific requirements for facilities, equipment, personnel training, and PPE—including gloves tested to ASTM D6978 for hazardous drug permeation resistance.
What is ASTM D6978-05?
The specific permeation test standard for chemo drug resistance. It tests glove material against specific chemotherapy agents (cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, nitrogen mustard, etc.) and measures breakthrough time. USP 800 requires gloves tested to this standard.
Why is the color purple for chemo gloves?
Purple is the universally recognized color for chemo-rated gloves in hospital and pharmacy environments—distinguishing them from general blue exam gloves and preventing accidental substitution during hazardous drug compounding.
Do I need to double-glove when using Kimtech Purple?
USP 800 requires double-gloving for certain high-hazard compounding scenarios. The Kimtech Purple is appropriate for both inner and outer gloves in a double-gloving protocol. Follow your facility's USP 800 SOP for specific requirements.
How long can I wear chemo gloves per USP 800?
USP 800 requires chemo gloves be changed at least every 30 minutes during compounding, or immediately upon any puncture, tear, or chemical contamination.
Are these latex-free?
Yes. 100% nitrile—critical for latex-allergic pharmacy staff and patients.
What is the extended cuff for?
The extended cuff overlaps with gowning to prevent a gap between glove and sleeve—eliminating a dermal exposure pathway for hazardous drugs when working at laminar airflow workbenches.
How many pairs per box?
25 pairs in a 50-count box. Ambidextrous.
Can Kimtech Purple be used for non-chemo clinical work?
Yes—they are also exam-grade nitrile. However, the premium price is not justified for non-chemo applications where standard exam gloves are appropriate.
What does the 5.9 mil thickness provide?
5.9 mil delivers better permeation resistance and puncture protection than thin 3–4 mil exam gloves, supporting the extended wear requirements and hazardous drug barrier demands of compounding environments.
Is powder-free required for chemo compounding?
Yes. Powder introduces contamination risk in sterile compounding. All USP 800-rated gloves are powder-free.
Are these gloves sterile?
Non-sterile. For sterile compounding in ISO 5 conditions, verify sterile vs. non-sterile glove requirements with your USP 800 compliance officer.
How do I store chemo gloves?
In a cool, dry location away from UV and ozone. Do not store in areas where hazardous drug contamination is possible—store in clean areas segregated from compounding zones.
Can these be used for radiation therapy drug preparation?
Yes—radioactive pharmaceuticals often fall under the same USP 800 hazardous drug handling requirements. Verify with your radiation safety officer.
What is the shelf life?
Three to five years under proper storage conditions.
The Bottom Line
The Kimtech Purple is the benchmark chemo-rated glove for USP 800 compliant pharmacy and oncology environments. If your facility handles NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs, this is not optional—it is the correct tool for the regulatory requirement.
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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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.