McKesson Confiderm 3.5C Nitrile Exam Gloves
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McKesson Confiderm 3.5C Nitrile Exam Gloves — Chemo Tested ASTM D6978-05, Powder-Free, 5 Sizes
Chemo tested to the current ASTM standard. Thinner, more tactile, lower fatigue. McKesson Confiderm 3.5C Nitrile Exam Gloves are a professional-grade powder-free examination glove tested for use with chemotherapy drugs per ASTM D6978-05 — the current standard for chemotherapy glove permeation testing used by oncology pharmacies and healthcare facilities. At 3.15 mil fingertip thickness, the 3.5C delivers a lighter, more conformable feel than heavier chemo-rated gloves, with improved conformability that provides a superior fit and reduces hand fatigue during extended wear. Textured fingertips enhance grip and tactile sensitivity. Beaded cuff prevents rolldown. Ambidextrous. Non-sterile. Single-use. Available in five sizes — XS through XL — sold by the box of 200 or by the case of 2,000 (10 boxes).
✔ Chemo Tested — ASTM D6978-05 (Current Standard) ✔ Powder-Free & Latex-Free ✔ Improved Conformability — Superior Fit, Reduced Hand Fatigue ✔ Textured Fingertips — Tactile Sensitivity & Grip ✔ 200 Per Box — 2,000 Per Case
Available Sizes & SKUs
| Size | SKU / Item # | Count |
|---|---|---|
| X-Small | 14-6972C | 200 gloves per box · 2,000 per case (10 boxes) |
| Small | 14-6974C | 200 gloves per box · 2,000 per case (10 boxes) |
| Medium | 14-6976C | 200 gloves per box · 2,000 per case (10 boxes) |
| Large | 14-6978C | 200 gloves per box · 2,000 per case (10 boxes) |
| X-Large | 14-6980C | 200 gloves per box · 2,000 per case (10 boxes) |
Product Details
| Manufacturer | McKesson |
|---|---|
| Brand | Confiderm 3.5C |
| Material | Nitrile |
| Color | Blue |
| Thickness | 0.08 mm (3.15 mil) at fingertip |
| Length | 9.6 inches |
| Cuff Style | Beaded cuff — prevents rolldown, easy removal |
| Fingertip | Textured — enhanced grip and tactile sensitivity |
| Powder | Powder-free |
| Latex | Not made with natural rubber latex |
| Sterility | Non-sterile |
| Hand | Ambidextrous — fits either hand |
| Usage | Single use only |
| Chemo Testing | Tested per ASTM D6978-05 — see note below |
| USP Compliance | Meets ASTM requirements per USP General Chapter on Hazardous Drug Handling in Healthcare |
| Sizes Available | XS · S · M · L · XL |
| Count | 200 per box · 2,000 per case (10 boxes) |
⚠ Chemotherapy Note: Confiderm 3.5C gloves have been tested for use with chemotherapy drugs per ASTM D6978-05. However, gloves used for protection against chemotherapy drug exposure must be selected specifically for the type of drugs being used. Consult your facility's chemotherapy handling protocols and oncology pharmacy before selecting gloves for oncology applications.
Features & Benefits
- Chemo Tested — ASTM D6978-05 — Confiderm 3.5C is tested for chemotherapy drug permeation resistance per ASTM D6978-05 — the current ASTM standard for chemotherapy glove testing used by oncology pharmacies, USP 800-compliant facilities, and cancer treatment centers. ASTM D6978-05 superseded the earlier ASTM F739 method and is the standard most frequently referenced in current oncology handling protocols. Note: glove selection for chemotherapy must always be based on the specific drugs in use and facility protocol
- Improved Conformability — Superior Fit & Reduced Hand Fatigue — The 3.5C nitrile formulation is engineered for improved conformability — meaning the glove stretches and adapts more closely to the hand's natural contours during wear. This reduces the internal tension that causes hand fatigue during extended-wear clinical tasks, making the 3.5C particularly well suited for oncology staff, pharmacy technicians, and clinicians who wear gloves for prolonged periods during chemotherapy preparation and administration
- 3.15 Mil Fingertip Thickness — Tactile Sensitivity — At 0.08 mm, the 3.5C is thinner at the fingertip than heavier chemo-rated gloves — delivering greater tactile sensitivity for detailed work including IV line management, drug preparation, and fine motor clinical tasks, while still meeting chemo permeation test requirements per ASTM D6978-05
- Textured Fingertips — Micro-textured surface at the fingertips provides secure grip on wet, dry, and slippery surfaces — critical for handling vials, syringes, IV tubing, and instruments during chemotherapy preparation and administration
- Powder-Free — No powder coating eliminates contamination, allergy, and patient sensitivity risks — required in oncology, pharmacy compounding, and most clinical environments
- Latex-Free — Not made with natural rubber latex — safe for patients and clinicians with latex sensitivity or allergy, and compliant with latex-free facility protocols
- Beaded Cuff — Rolled beaded cuff at the wrist prevents rolldown during use and provides a secure wrist seal — important during chemotherapy preparation where wrist exposure is a clinical concern. The beaded design also facilitates easy, one-handed glove removal
- 200 Per Box — Double the per-box count of standard 100-count glove boxes — fewer box changes per shift in high-volume oncology and pharmacy settings, and better per-glove value at case purchase
- Ambidextrous — Fits either hand — simplifies donning and reduces waste in fast-paced clinical environments
- Single Use — Designed for single-use disposal — supports USP 800 and facility infection control protocols
- Five Sizes — XS through XL — Full size range covers all hand sizes across oncology teams and pharmacy staff — a single SKU family for department-wide ordering
Confiderm 3.5C vs. Confiderm 4.5C — Which Chemo Glove Is Right for You?
| Feature | Confiderm 3.5C (14-6972C–14-6980C) | Confiderm 4.5C (14-652C–14-660C) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemo Test Standard | ASTM D6978-05 (current standard) | ASTM F739-99a (legacy standard) |
| Fingertip Thickness | 0.08 mm (3.15 mil) | 0.15 mm (6 mil) |
| Feel & Conformability | Thinner, more tactile, improved conformability | Heavier barrier, more robust feel |
| Hand Fatigue | Reduced — engineered for extended wear | Standard |
| Count per Box | 200 | 100 |
| Count per Case | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Best For | Extended-wear chemo prep, USP 800 pharmacy, high-volume oncology | Robust barrier protection, heavy-duty chemo handling |
Bottom line: Choose Confiderm 3.5C when extended wear comfort, improved tactile sensitivity, and the current ASTM D6978-05 chemo test standard are the priority — particularly for pharmacy compounding, USP 800-compliant settings, and high-volume oncology. Choose Confiderm 4.5C when a heavier 6 mil barrier is clinically indicated. Both meet chemo testing requirements — confirm with your facility protocol which standard is required.
Indicated Uses & Clinical Applications
- Chemotherapy drug preparation and administration — per ASTM D6978-05 testing (drug-specific selection required)
- USP 800 hazardous drug handling — pharmacy compounding and oncology
- General patient examination and assessment
- IV placement, blood draws, and vascular access
- Medication preparation and administration
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Infection control and isolation precautions
- Laboratory and specimen handling
- Emergency medical services (EMS) and first responder use
Sizing Guide
| Size | Hand Circumference (at widest point) | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|
| X-Small | Less than 7 inches | Very small hands — pediatric or small adult |
| Small | 7 – 8 inches | Small adult hands — many female clinical and pharmacy staff |
| Medium | 8 – 9 inches | Average adult hand — most commonly ordered size |
| Large | 9 – 10 inches | Large adult hands — common for male clinical staff |
| X-Large | Greater than 10 inches | Very large hands |
Fit tip: Nitrile gloves stretch slightly during donning. The 3.5C's improved conformability formulation provides a closer, more natural fit than standard nitrile. If between sizes, size down for a snugger tactile fit or size up for easier donning and more comfort during extended wear.
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Questions about Confiderm 3.5C or any of our exam gloves? Call 1-866-218-0902 — Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm EST
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "3.5C" mean in Confiderm 3.5C?
The "3.5" refers to the glove's nominal thickness in mils (approximately 3.5 mil at the palm), and "C" designates the chemo-tested designation — indicating this glove has undergone chemotherapy drug permeation testing per ASTM D6978-05. The 3.5C is thinner and more conformable than the Confiderm 4.5C (approximately 4.5 mil at the palm), making it the preferred choice when extended wear comfort and tactile sensitivity are priorities alongside chemo barrier requirements.
What is the difference between ASTM D6978-05 and ASTM F739-99a for chemo glove testing?
Both are ASTM permeation test methods used to evaluate glove resistance to chemotherapy drug penetration, but ASTM D6978-05 is the current, purpose-built standard specifically developed for chemotherapy glove testing. It tests against a defined panel of chemotherapy agents under conditions that more closely reflect actual clinical use. ASTM F739-99a is an older, more general chemical permeation standard that was commonly used before D6978-05 was established. Most current oncology pharmacy protocols, USP 800 guidance, and NIOSH recommendations reference ASTM D6978-05. Confirm with your facility's pharmacy or safety officer which standard your protocol requires before selecting a chemo glove.
What is USP 800 and how does Confiderm 3.5C relate to it?
USP General Chapter 800 (Hazardous Drugs — Handling in Healthcare Settings) is the United States Pharmacopeia standard governing the safe handling, preparation, and administration of hazardous drugs — including chemotherapy agents — in healthcare settings. USP 800 specifies requirements for glove selection, including the use of chemotherapy-tested gloves that meet ASTM D6978-05 testing for the specific drugs being handled. Confiderm 3.5C meets ASTM requirements per USP 800 guidance. Confirm compliance with your facility's USP 800 implementation protocol and oncology pharmacy before use.
What is the difference between Confiderm 3.5C and Confiderm 4.5C?
Both are chemo-tested blue nitrile exam gloves from McKesson's Confiderm line, but they differ in thickness, chemo test standard, and wear characteristics. The 3.5C is thinner (3.15 mil fingertip vs. 6 mil for the 4.5C), uses the current ASTM D6978-05 test standard, and is specifically engineered for improved conformability and reduced hand fatigue — making it the preferred choice for extended-wear applications like pharmacy compounding and prolonged oncology procedures. The 4.5C provides a heavier barrier at 6 mil and uses the ASTM F739-99a standard. The 3.5C also comes 200 per box versus 100 per box for the 4.5C. Check your facility protocol for which chemo test standard is required.
Why does the 3.5C come 200 per box instead of 100?
The higher per-box count of 200 reflects the typical use pattern in oncology and pharmacy compounding settings — high-volume environments where glove changes happen frequently throughout the day. Fewer box changes per shift reduces workflow interruption and lowers the per-glove cost for facilities purchasing at case volume. At 2,000 gloves per case (10 boxes of 200), the 3.5C offers strong value for high-volume chemo handling programs.
Are Confiderm 3.5C gloves appropriate for double-gloving in chemotherapy?
Yes — double-gloving (wearing two pairs of gloves simultaneously) is a recommended practice in USP 800 and NIOSH guidance for hazardous drug handling. The 3.5C's improved conformability and reduced thickness make it particularly suitable as either the inner or outer glove in a double-glove system. For double-gloving protocols, confirm with your facility's oncology pharmacy for specific inner/outer glove requirements and size selection guidance when layering.
Are Confiderm 3.5C gloves sterile?
No — Confiderm 3.5C gloves are non-sterile exam gloves appropriate for non-sterile examination, chemotherapy handling, and patient care procedures. For procedures requiring sterile technique, use a sterile surgical glove.
Are Confiderm 3.5C gloves sold by the box or case?
Both — available as a single box of 200 gloves or by the case of 2,000 gloves (10 boxes of 200). Case pricing provides the best per-glove value for oncology departments, pharmacy compounding facilities, and high-volume clinical purchasing.

