Dear Michelle Elena Schober,

I would suggest to use PVA gloves and long handle forceps (specific for handling slides in histology lab) for deparaffinization of microsections in the histology lab.

Although there are several types of gloves made using (1) nitrile (as you said), (2) neoprene (synthetic rubber), (3) Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), (4) Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), and (5) natural rubber (latex), each of these works well to protect against certain chemicals, and none is best for all types of chemicals.

For the chemicals often used for example, toluene, xylene,

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), MBK, Stoddard Solvent, Naphtha, Ethylene Dichloride) and for which degradation and penetration measurements have been made (Edmonton), the general performance of these materials is as follows:

(1) PVA generally ranks best.

(2) Nitrile and neoprene were pretty good, with nitrile perhaps a little better than neoprene.

(3) PVC and natural rubber (latex) scored well least often.

Best

Shail

Hi,

The PVA gloves have been rated very good when treating chemicals containing xylene as a solvent because they provide excellent protection against compounds containing methylene and xylene.

with many thank

When working with xylene in a histology laboratory, it is important to use gloves that provide a high level of chemical resistance. Xylene is a powerful solvent that can easily permeate many types of gloves, so selecting the right type is crucial for protection. Here are some recommendations for gloves that are suitable for working with xylene:

When selecting gloves, consider the following:

• Thickness: Thicker gloves generally provide better chemical resistance but can reduce dexterity. For histology work, a balance between protection and manual dexterity is important.
• Fit: Gloves should fit properly to ensure comfort and dexterity. Ill-fitting gloves can be a safety hazard.
• AQL (Acceptable Quality Level): Look for gloves with a low AQL, which indicates a lower rate of defects.
• Length: Depending on the task, you may need gloves that extend further up the arm for additional protection.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the gloves you choose are suitable for xylene exposure. Additionally, it’s important to follow all safety protocols and local regulations when working with hazardous chemicals.

Remember that no glove material is completely impermeable to xylene, so it’s essential to also use other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, safety goggles, and a fume hood to minimize exposure. Regularly inspect gloves for punctures or signs of wear and replace them as needed.