Malaysia, as the major latex glove supplier in the world, has embarked on much research and development to address the latex protein allergy problem. Malaysia’s earnest endeavor to address the latex protein was manifested by the launch of the Standard Malaysian Glove (SMG)* program. Among other things, Malaysia was the first to incorporate a maximum limit of total extractable protein for NRL gloves in its SMG program. The program applies to medical examination gloves, powder and powder-free, which are identified by the recommended green color logo for powder-free examination gloves and orange color logo for powdered examination gloves.

The technical parameters specified in the SMG program were derived at after consultation with regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), standards organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), consumers and glove manufacturers, testing laboratories which ensures the manufacture of quality low-protein gloves that are not only high in barrier protection, but also low in allergy risk. The specification limits for the extractable protein content and residual powder content of pre-powdered gloves are in line with those stipulated in ASTM's standard specifications for Rubber Examination Gloves D 3578-05. In respect of powder-free gloves, the limits for total extractable protein content and residual powder content for SMG are more stringent than those contained in ASTM D 3578-05.

Under the SMG program, gloves produced by Malaysian manufacturers are monitored at regular intervals to check that they meet the SMG specification. Through the SMG program, the twin forces of self-regulation of the NRL glove industry and increasing market demand for quality gloves would ultimately bring to bear on the overall improvement of NRL gloves. The program should prove to be a win-win formula for all in the healthcare world.

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