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:

Glove box applications as reported by survey respondents:

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:

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