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Water Retention Test
A B C D E F H I L M N P R S T U V W
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Water Retention Test

The water leak test is the standard procedure for checking the leak-tightness of medical single-use gloves under EN 455-1. The test principle: gloves are filled with 1,000 ml of water, sealed, and hung for a defined period, then inspected for leaks.

The test is performed on a statistical sample of the batch. Acceptance limits:

Gloves that lose water are classified as defective. The maximum number of permitted defects in the sample is determined by batch size and AQL value per ISO 2859-1.

The water leak test checks only for macroscopic defects (holes, tears). It corresponds to the penetration test per EN ISO 374-2 but is specifically standardised for medical single-use gloves.

Importantly: the water leak test does not assess permeation – the molecular diffusion of chemicals through intact material remains unevaluated.

Frequently asked questions

How is the water leak test per EN 455-1 performed?

Gloves are filled with 1,000 ml of water, sealed, and hung. After the defined test period, leaking gloves are counted. Sample size and maximum permitted defects are determined by AQL and batch size per ISO 2859-1.

What is the difference between AQL 1.5 and AQL 0.65 in the water leak test?

AQL 1.5 applies to examination gloves, statistically permitting up to 1.5 % defects. AQL 0.65 for surgical gloves is stricter: maximum 0.65 % defects statistically acceptable. Surgical gloves are held to tighter standards because they are used in sterile operating fields.

Does the water leak test also check for chemical penetration?

No. The water leak test checks only for macroscopic defects (holes, tears). Chemical protection through permeation resistance is assessed separately per EN 16523-1.