Total and specific analysis of proteins in latex goods. Total quantity of latex proteins are being evaluated by extracting the rubber with aqueous solution and measuring according to ASTM D5712. Analytical information on the Internet stated that powdered latex gloves were dirty, with from one to eight hundred micrograms of protein per gram of rubber. Most certainly gloves contain less proteins today but protein cleaning is an important ongoing issue. The reporting level for ASTM D5712 is 50 ppm.
Some laboratories submit that they can measure lower levels of proteins.
For example Gathrie Research Institute, Sayre, PA claims detection level of 28 microgram proteins per gram of rubber. The latex protein analysis, ASTM D5712, might not represent a true picture of the latex irritation problem. Some of the proteins are harmful some are not. ASTM D5712 might be misleading and can cause unfortunate conclusions. For example, someone can develop a process for latex protein cleaning, submit the clean latex to ASTM D5712 test and find that the protein level was reduced from 100 ppm to 20 ppm.