ASTM D6978

ASTM D6978 is the standard practice for assessing the resistance of medical gloves to permeation by chemotherapy drugs. It provides a technical basis for evaluating how glove materials respond when exposed to these hazardous agents, helping buyers, labs, and healthcare teams compare product performance more consistently. As a focused ASTM standard, it is especially relevant where chemical barrier protection is a concern and where documented testing can support safer glove selection and quality control.

Overview of ASTM D6978

The purpose of ASTM D6978 is to guide assessment of medical gloves against permeation by chemotherapy drugs under a defined test practice. Its title indicates a practical evaluation method rather than a broad glove specification, so it is most useful for understanding how a glove material performs when challenged by drugs used in cancer treatment settings. ASTM D6978 is commonly referenced when product performance, compliance, and test consistency need to be demonstrated for medical gloves intended for exposure to chemotherapy-related chemicals.

Common use cases of ASTM D6978

This standard is commonly used when selecting or evaluating medical gloves for environments where chemotherapy drugs may be handled. It may support procurement decisions, supplier qualification, and laboratory testing programs that compare glove resistance under consistent conditions. ASTM D6978 is also useful for manufacturers and quality teams that need a recognized practice for assessing barrier performance in gloves intended for clinical workflows involving hazardous drug handling.

Benefits of using ASTM D6978

Using ASTM D6978 can help improve consistency in product evaluation and provide a clearer basis for comparing glove resistance claims. It supports quality control by aligning testing with a recognized ASTM practice, which may reduce uncertainty during purchasing and compliance review. For organizations handling chemotherapy drugs, the standard can also help strengthen risk management by making glove assessment more structured, repeatable, and easier to document.

• Assessment of glove resistance to chemotherapy drug permeation
• Support for product comparison and procurement decisions
• Useful for quality control and testing programs
• Relevant to medical gloves used in hazardous drug handling