Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Exam Gloves
WC Safety Editorial Pick: Kimtech Polaris is WC Safety's pick for lab and food production environments requiring EN 374 chemical protection, EN 455 exam compliance, and food contact approval in a single glove—elimi...
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For a full performance breakdown, sizing analysis, and comparison against alternatives, see our Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Exam Gloves in-depth review published by the WC Safety editorial team.
Kimtech Polaris dual-certifies EN 374 chemical protection and EN 455 medical exam compliance in one food-contact-approved nitrile glove. For scientific labs and food production facilities that previously maintained separate chemical-handling and food-contact glove inventories, the Polaris consolidates those SKUs into one product while meeting each certification requirement independently.
University and industrial research labs requiring EN 374 documentation, food production quality control environments with chemical handling in the same workflow, cleanroom-compatible operations requiring certified chemical resistance, and regulatory environments where both medical exam and chemical permeation documentation must be on file for each glove SKU.
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Compatibility and Application
EN 374 Type A/B/C covers a panel of chemical challenge agents with defined breakthrough times—consult Kimtech's technical data sheet for the specific chemicals tested and breakthrough times before using against chemicals not in the published set. Compare to Kimtech Purple for chemo drug handling or Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 for extended-cuff chemical tasks. For a broader selection, browse the complete nitrile gloves collection at WC Safety, organized by thickness, brand, and intended use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EN 374 chemical permeation certification covers chemical exposure requirements beyond standard exam-grade AQL
- EN 455 medical exam compliance + food contact approval—three certifications in one SKU
- Kimtech manufacturing quality for consistent AQL and performance in regulated environments
- Eliminates separate chemical-handling and food-contact glove SKUs in dual-use facilities
Cons
- 50 per box at Kimtech premium pricing—higher per-pair cost than standard exam nitrile
- ~6 mil reduces tactile sensitivity versus thin 3–4 mil exam options
Compare Kimberly-Clark Kimtech Nitrile Gloves
| Model | Thickness | Count | Color | Key Cert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimtech Purple (5.9 mil, USP 800) | 5.9 mil | 50/box | Purple | USP 800 |
| 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 Purple Nitrile USP 800 Chemo 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 SU-690 Violet Reduced-Accelerator Nitrile
- Curad Nitrile Exam Gloves 150-Count
- Medline Restore Nitrile 250-Count
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Kimtech Polaris through a hospital GPO or laboratory supply contract?
Contact Kimberly-Clark directly or through your existing GPO or lab supply distributor to verify contract availability and pricing. Amazon is an additional procurement channel for single-box and case orders.
What is the minimum order?
One box (50 gloves) through Amazon. Case quantities are available for bulk procurement.
What sizes are available?
XS, S, M, L, XL. Confirm sizing with the Kimtech sizing guide before ordering a full case.
Can the Polaris be used in a certified cleanroom?
The Polaris is cleanroom-compatible at standard cleanliness levels. For ISO Class 5 or tighter requirements, verify with Kimtech technical support for your specific ISO class.
Does EN 374 certification qualify the Polaris for chemical handling in a university lab?
In most university lab chemical hygiene plans, EN 374 certified gloves satisfy requirements for handling chemicals within the tested panel. Verify with your institution's Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) and laboratory safety coordinator for specific protocols.
Can I get technical data sheets for EN 374 compliance records?
Yes. Kimberly-Clark publishes technical data sheets for the Polaris including EN 374 test results, breakthrough times by chemical, and EN 455 compliance documentation—available through the Kimberly-Clark professional documentation portal.
Is the Polaris food contact approved for direct food contact or only incidental contact?
The Polaris food contact approval covers direct food contact—it has been evaluated for migration of glove materials into food at defined limits. Verify with Kimtech documentation for the specific regulatory standard (EU 10/2011, FDA, etc.) applicable to your operation.
How many pairs per box?
25 pairs in a 50-count box.
What is the shelf life?
Three to five years in cool, dry storage.
Does the ~6 mil gauge affect the EN 374 chemical protection rating?
Yes. Gauge directly affects permeation breakthrough time—thicker material generally provides longer breakthrough times for a given chemical. The Polaris is tested at its specified gauge; breakthrough times are published in the technical data sheet.
Can I use Polaris for pharmaceutical research?
Yes for research applications within the chemical resistance panel. For GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environments, verify against your quality system's glove specification requirements.
What is the recommended disposal method for Polaris gloves used in chemical handling?
Dispose according to your facility's chemical waste protocol based on the chemicals handled. Gloves that have contacted hazardous chemicals are typically disposed as chemical waste, not general trash. Follow your facility SOP.
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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.
Affiliate Disclosure
WC Safety is an Amazon Associate. We earn commissions on qualifying purchases through Amazon links at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not influence product selection or editorial descriptions. Full disclosure policy.
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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