Kimtech Purple Nitrile Exam Gloves, 5.9 Mil, Chemo-Cleared
WC Safety Editorial Pick: Kimtech Purple is WC Safety's pick for USP 800 chemo drug handling—5.9 mil, extended cuff, ASTM D6978-05 permeation tested, in the purple color that universally identifies chemo-rated glov...
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For a full performance breakdown, sizing analysis, and comparison against alternatives, see our Kimtech Purple Nitrile Exam Gloves in-depth review published by the WC Safety editorial team.
Kimtech Purple is the benchmark USP <800> chemo glove for hospital pharmacy compounding and oncology nursing—ASTM D6978-05 permeation-tested against NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs, 5.9 mil with an extended cuff to eliminate the wrist exposure gap during compounding, and purple for instant visual identification in multi-glove clinical environments.
Hospital pharmacy compounding units, oncology infusion clinics, chemotherapy preparation areas, and research labs handling NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs. Required wherever USP 800 compliance mandates ASTM D6978-05 tested gloves. Also appropriate as the standard glove for any pharmacy with a hazardous drug inventory requiring USP 800 compliance documentation.
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Compatibility and Application
USP 800 requires glove changes every 30 minutes during compounding and double-gloving for certain high-hazard scenarios—both are operational requirements of the standard, not limitations of this glove. For compounding staff with accelerator sensitivity, consider the Microflex Supreno SE alongside a USP 800 compliance review. For curad 150-count ASTM D6978 alternative, see Curad Nitrile 150-Count. For a broader selection, browse the complete nitrile gloves collection at WC Safety, organized by thickness, brand, and intended use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- USP 800 compliant with ASTM D6978-05 permeation testing—the documented standard for NIOSH-listed hazardous drug handling
- 5.9 mil extended cuff eliminates the wrist exposure gap during laminar airflow workbench compounding
- Purple color universally identifies chemo-rated gloves to prevent substitution during hazardous drug preparation
- Kimberly-Clark documentation simplifies pharmacy compliance audit evidence for regulatory inspections
Cons
- 50 per box at premium pricing—appropriate for compounding frequency, not cost-efficient for general exam use
- USP 800 overkill and not cost-justified for non-hazardous-drug clinical environments
Compare Kimberly-Clark Kimtech Nitrile Gloves
| Model | Thickness | Count | Color | Key Cert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimtech Polaris (EN 374, ~6 mil) | ~6 mil | 50/box | Blue | EN 374 |
| Kimtech Sterling Gray (200/box) | ~6 mil | 200/box | Gray | ASTM D6319 |
| Kimtech Vista Blue (AQL 1.0, 200/box) | ~5 mil | 200/box | Blue | AQL 1.0 |
Related Nitrile Gloves
- Kimtech Polaris EN 374 Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Kimtech Sterling Gray Nitrile (200/box)
- Kimtech Vista Nitrile Exam Gloves (AQL 1.0)
- Medline Restore Nitrile 250-Count (USP 800)
- Curad Nitrile Exam Gloves (ASTM D6978)
- Microflex Supreno SE Accelerator-Free Nitrile
- Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 EN 374
- Ansell SU-690 Violet Reduced-Accelerator Nitrile
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Kimtech Purple for USP 795 non-sterile compounding?
Yes. USP 800 applies to all facilities handling NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs, including non-sterile compounding under USP 795. Kimtech Purple meets the glove requirement for both sterile and non-sterile hazardous drug compounding.
How many box changes does USP 800's 30-minute rule require per 8-hour shift?
At one glove change per 30 minutes for 8 hours of compounding: 16 glove changes (8 pair changes). A 50-count box provides 25 pair changes, covering approximately 12.5 hours of compounding for one person. Actual box consumption depends on your compounding schedule.
Is double-gloving always required under USP 800?
Double-gloving is required by USP 800 for certain scenarios: when physical properties of the hazardous drug require it, or when directed by your SDS. Your facility's USP 800 SOP specifies when double-gloving is required for your specific drug inventory.
What sizes are available?
XS, S, M, L, XL. Confirm sizing with the Kimtech sizing chart before bulk ordering—extended cuffs may fit differently than standard cuff lengths.
Can Kimtech Purple be purchased under a GPO contract?
Yes. Kimberly-Clark participates in major healthcare GPO agreements. Contact your GPO representative to verify Kimtech Purple contract pricing and availability under your current agreement.
How should Kimtech Purple gloves be disposed after chemo compounding?
Dispose according to your facility's hazardous waste protocol and applicable regulations. Gloves contaminated with NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs are typically classified as chemotherapy waste or pharmaceutical hazardous waste—consult your facility's pharmacist or EHS coordinator for the specific disposal protocol.
Does the extended cuff affect gowning compatibility?
The extended cuff is designed to tuck under the cuff of a chemotherapy gown, overlapping to prevent a gap. Most pharmacy gowns are designed for this glove-cuff interface. Verify with your gown supplier if you are using a non-standard chemotherapy gown.
What is the shelf life?
Three to five years in cool, dry storage.
Can Kimtech Purple be used for receiving and storage of hazardous drug shipments?
Yes. USP 800 requires appropriate gloves for all handling of hazardous drugs including receiving, storage, and transport within the facility.
Is Kimtech Purple available in sterile versions?
The standard Kimtech Purple is non-sterile. For sterile compounding in ISO Class 5 conditions, verify sterile glove requirements with your USP 797/800 compliance officer.
Can I get inspection-ready documentation showing Kimtech Purple ASTM D6978-05 compliance?
Yes. Kimberly-Clark publishes compliance documentation for the Kimtech Purple including ASTM D6978-05 test data. Available through Kimberly-Clark's professional documentation portal or your GPO/distributor representative.
What is the minimum order for Kimtech Purple through Amazon?
One box (50 gloves). Case quantities are available through Amazon and through Kimberly-Clark distributors.
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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.
Editorial Standards
All product specifications and certification claims are drawn directly from published manufacturer data sheets and ASTM/EN certification records. WC Safety does not fabricate specs or compatibility claims. Errors may be reported to safetynw2012@gmail.com.
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WC Safety Editorial
Product descriptions are written by the WC Safety editorial team and reviewed by Steven Eaton. Content is updated when manufacturers revise specifications. Last reviewed: 2025.
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