Carboxylated Butadiene-Acrylonitrile, commonly referred to as nitrile, is a petroleum-based raw material used to manufacture nitrile medical gloves. Nitrile is latex-free and does not contain harmful latex proteins which are responsible for latex sensitivity. However, like latex, nitrile need accelerators to bind the material together to create medical gloves. Compared with latex and vinyl, nitrile is the most expensive of raw materials used in the production of medical exam gloves.

Healthcare facilities use nitrile gloves in high-stress enviornments because they protect better and are less likely to tear. Nitrile exam gloves are very chemical resistant and are the preferred glove for use with cytotoxic and antineoplastic drugs.

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