Ansell CE5-512 Microflex Cleanroom Latex Gloves Class 100 (ISO 5)

Ansell CE5-512 Microflex® cleanroom latex gloves are positioned for Class 100 / ISO 5 and cleaner environments when processes benefit from the tactile performance and elasticity of latex during precision handling, assembly, inspection, and fine cleaning tasks. In ISO 5 work, gloves function as a process interface: they can help operators maintain consistent grip and contact pressure, which can reduce mishandling, over-scrubbing, and unplanned rework.

Latex can be an excellent tool for dexterity-driven work, but it must be deployed with clear program controls. The two primary controls to manage explicitly are: allergen/sensitization risk (personnel and facility policy) and substitution control (latex vs nitrile performance differences). The glove may be cleanroom packaged and suitable for ISO use, but the program must define where latex is allowed and where it is prohibited.

ISO 14644 operations guidance emphasizes that personnel are a primary contamination source and that cleaning/handling outcomes are strongly influenced by behavior and method discipline. Gloves are the boundary layer between operators and controlled surfaces. Whether you choose nitrile or latex, what matters operationally is: defined donning technique, controlled touch points, and defined glove change triggers to prevent progressive loading and residue transfer.

USP-influenced environments add a similar expectation for repeatability and documentation. Even when sterility is not required, glove-derived residues and handling variability can degrade inspection outcomes and cleaning validation confidence.

Best practice starts with facility policy: confirm latex is permitted for the work area and that personnel allergen controls are in place. If latex is approved, don gloves according to gowning SOP without snapping or over-stretching. Once donned, treat the glove exterior as a controlled surface: hands remain within the defined work zone and avoid contact with carts, drawers, keyboards, phones, or gown surfaces.

For dexterity-sensitive tasks, latex can reduce overhandling by improving tactile feedback and grip control. This often reduces the need for excessive pressure during cleaning or repeated repositioning of parts. However, define glove change triggers clearly: after leaving the work zone, after touching non-controlled surfaces, after solvent-heavy tasks, after defined time intervals (risk-based), and immediately after any integrity compromise or visible soiling.

If the workflow uses solvents such as IPA, define how often gloves are changed during solvent-heavy work. Solvent contact can alter surface behavior and increase residue transfer risk over time. Task-based change rules keep outcomes stable across operators and shifts.

SOSCleanroom commonly pairs ISO 5 glove programs with controlled swabbing, wiping, and solvent practices to reduce variables. The glove controls the touch interface; the tools control geometry and pickup; the solution controls solvency and drying behavior.

• Suggested swab (precision contact control): Texwipe TX761 Alpha® Polyester Cleanroom Swab (Long Handle) — supports controlled contact in grooves and features while limiting glove intrusion near critical surfaces.
• Suggested wiper (controlled follow-up pickup): Texwipe TX1010 Vectra® Alpha® 10 Polyester Cleanroom Wiper — sealed-edge control for wipe-down steps where fiber control and consistent pickup are required.
• Suggested solution (wetness control / surface prep): Texwipe TX167 Non-Sterile 70% IPA (16 oz) — commonly used for controlled damp-film technique in non-sterile workflows; if your process requires sterile chemistry or disinfectant controls, follow SOP and select approved sterile-presented chemistries.

This Technical Vault content is provided as supplemental operational guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions, facility SOPs, validation protocols, quality risk assessments, or regulatory requirements. Always follow applicable ISO standards, USP chapters, and site-specific procedures. Latex products may present allergen/sensitization risks; ensure facility policy permits latex use. Refer to current manufacturer documentation for sterility status, powder status, performance data, and chemical compatibility. Control substitutions and document receiving/lot traceability where required.