Glove Box Systems

Glove box systems are designed to physically contain a sample, specimen or product while still allowing someone to work with that material. In terms of hazardous or infectious agents, glove boxes protect the user; however, glove boxes can be used to protect the sample as well. Built-in arm-length gloves are used to access and manipulate the sample within the sealed container. Basic glove boxes provide dependable isolation, and may use positive air pressure in the workspace to prevent contamination of the specimen. These can be suitable for aseptic compounding, microelectronics assembly, and various non-hazardous life sciences applications.

More elaborate closed-loop containment glove boxes (some of which may qualify as class III biological safety cabinets) often maintain a negative pressure in the workspace to prevent hazardous materials from escaping. The latter types of glove box systems are suitable for working with any biosafety level 3 or 4 agents, infected animals, or other dangerous materials such as aerosols of pathogens or toxins. Some glove box systems feature temperature and humidity controls, the ability to be attached to each other in tandem, and the ability to maintain automatic anaerobic conditions.