2015 Glove Box Product Survey Results

Glove boxes go by many different names and are used for many purposes. However, their essential attribute is the ability to maintain a completely separate environment from ambient. Glove boxes are completely closed compartments ranging in size from a few cubic feet to several hundred cubic feet and differ from other safety enclosures in two significant respects: users can introduce articles into glove boxes and manipulate them inside through ports fitted with gloves, and glove boxes typically use a specialized atmosphere.

Written byTrevor Henderson, PhD
| 2 min read

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Glove Box

  1. What applications are you using the glove box for? This will determine exactly what you will need in a glove box, such as an oxygen-free atmosphere, etc.
  2. Are the incubation and processing separated in order to prevent contamination? This is important if you will be using the glove box for cell culture.
  3. How much will the glove box cost to acquire and maintain? Are warranties offered? Custom glove boxes are the most expensive, so if a standard model can fit your needs that is probably the better way to go. Making small customizations to an off-the-shelf model is also another less costly option than a fully-custom unit.
  4. What are your future needs? This will help determine if the smallest unit is really the best option or if a larger option which can accommodate future expansion would make more sense.
  5. What sort of safety features does the glove box have? These are especially important if you are working with very hazardous materials.

Primary use of glove boxes as reported by survey respondents:

Research55%
Clinical21%
Quality Control14%
Production11%
Other6%

Glove box applications as reported by survey respondents:

Manipulating dangerous, toxic, or moisture-sensitive subjects33%
Anaerobic bacterial growth20%
Cell culture19%
Other19%
Air- or moisture sensitive analyses14%
Storage and processing of chemicals, metals, calcium, etc...4%
Maintaining cleanliness for microchips or fabricated parts, sensor calibration10%
Virus production6%
Controlled-atmosphere welding2%
Compounding pharmacy, vaccines1%

Nearly 32% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new glove box. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Upgrading existing equipment
18%
 
Replacement of an aging system
22%
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
23%
Setting up a new lab
8%
First time purchase
13%
Other
16%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a glove box:

Safety81%
Ease of use78%
Product performance for intended application68%
Low maintenance/operating costs63%
Ergonomic design56%
Price51%
Ease of installation44%
Service and support40%
Warranty39%
Availability of accessories/options39%

For more information on laboratory glove boxes, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/glove-boxes

See most recent survey results

About the Author

  • Trevor Henderson headshot

    Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific and technical writing, editing, and creative content creation. With academic training in the areas of human biology, physical anthropology, and community health, he has a broad skill set of both laboratory and analytical skills. Since 2013, he has been working with LabX Media Group developing content solutions that engage and inform scientists and laboratorians. He can be reached at thenderson@labmanager.com.

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