What is BS EN 45503:2017?

BS EN 45503:2017 is a professional technical standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for medical gloves made from materials such as natural rubber latex, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastics intended to protect the user against risks of biological origin.

Requirements of BS EN 45503:2017

The standard encompasses various requirements that medical gloves need to meet. Firstly, the gloves should be free from holes with no visible defects. This ensures that the gloves provide an effective barrier against microorganisms. Moreover, they should also have satisfactory resistance to permeation by viruses and bacteria.

Furthermore, BS EN 45503:2017 outlines the physical properties of medical gloves, including their tensile strength, elongation, and puncture resistance. These properties ensure that gloves can withstand common hazards in medical environments, such as needle punctures.

Testing Methods

The standard prescribes specific testing methods to assess the mentioned requirements. For example, the water leak test is conducted to detect any holes or defects in the gloves. This test involves filling the gloves with water and examining for leaks. Additionally, penetration and permeation tests are carried out to evaluate the resistance of gloves to microorganisms.

Moreover, physical testing is performed to determine the mechanical properties of the gloves. The tensile strength test measures the maximum force required to break the glove material, while the puncture resistance test assesses the ability of the gloves to resist puncture forces.

Use and Compliance

BS EN 45503:2017 is widely recognized and adopted globally by manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies involved in the production and distribution of medical gloves. Compliance with this standard indicates that gloves have undergone rigorous testing and meet essential requirements for protecting healthcare professionals against biological hazards.

Healthcare facilities should ensure that the medical gloves they procure adhere to BS EN 45503:2017. Additionally, manufacturers can use this standard to improve the quality of their products and enhance safety levels for both patients and healthcare workers.