TABLE II

Comparison of Features of Physical Glove Integrity Test Methods

Method	Detection Rate	Qualitative Quantitative	Selective or Cumulative	Specific Features or Limitations
Flow Test (1.)	33–92% depending test pressure applied	Quantitative	Cumulative 100%	• dependency from test parameters
				• no detection of F 0.4 pinholes
				• acceptance limit quantified/set
				• can be automated
				• multiple glove testing possible
				• suitable during production (neg. dP)
Pressure Drop Test (2.)	33–83% depending test pressure applied	Quantitative	Cumulative 100%	• dependency from test parameters
				• no detection of F 0.4 pinholes
				• acceptance limit quantified/set
				• can be automated
				• multiple glove testing possible
Water Breakthrough Test (3.)	99%	Qualitative	Selective 100%	• no detection of F 0.4 pinholes
				• only possible in vertical direction
				• water removal difficult, wet glove
				• not suitable during production
Particle Penetration Test (4.)	83%	Qualitative	81% Selective 19% Cumulative	• no detection of F 0.4 pinholes
				• weak detection rate at all fingertips
				• complex test preparation
				• time-consuming scanning
				• dirty glove after testing
Diffusional Test Ammonia (5.)	92%	Qualitative	15% Selective 85% Cumulative	• weak detection at F 0.4 and F 0.6
				• needs preparation for indicator towels
				• time-consuming scanning
				• fast test results
				• strong smelling
				• not suitable during production
Diffusional Test Peracetic Acid (5.)	82%	Qualitative	Selective 100%	• same as above for ammonia
Diffusional Test Helium (5.)	43%	Qualitative	7% Selective 93% Cumulative	• no detection of fingertip pinhole
				• weak detection rate
				• bad reproducibility
				• complex test preparation
				• helium “noise” interferences
				• not suitable during production
Visual Inspection (6.)	33% Untrained, 99% Trained	Qualitative	Selective 100%	• training program required
				• depending on individual operator
				• time-consuming
				• good visibility and direct access required
				• almost not suitable during process