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GLOVING IN RNAse-FREE ENVIRONMENT

RNases are invisible yet highly destructive contaminants in RNA work, capable of degrading samples very rapidly. In laboratory environments, maintaining RNA integrity and preventing RNA contamination requires strict contamination control. 

Selecting the right disposable gloves and using them properly is therefore essential to minimise risks and ensure reliable protection.   

1. RNA handling in laboratories: contamination risks and degradation challenges 

The laboratory sector covers a wide range of activities across research, industry, and applied sciences. Academic labs, as well as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are among the main environments where RNA is routinely handled, and glove use is essential. 

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is an essential molecule found in all living organisms. It plays a central role in gene expression and in the regulation of cellular processes (Multiple roles of RNAs – Institut Pasteur). RNA is synthesised from DNA and carries genetic information to ribosomes, where proteins are produced via messenger RNA (mRNA). 

In molecular biology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories, RNA analysis has become critical for a wide range of applications, including sequencing, research applications, bioprocessing and quality control. These workflows often involve frequent sample handling and multiple processing steps at the bench. In this context, the main source of RNA degradation is the presence of RNases, enzymes capable of rapidly degrading RNA. 

2. Why does RNA require stricter contamination control than DNA? 

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecule used in cells for the long-term storage of hereditary genetic information required for growth, development, and normal cell function. Its double-stranded structure provides some resistance to biological degradation. 

Nonetheless, RNA presents several characteristics that increase its vulnerability: 

• It is generally single-stranded    
• It is more sensitive to environmental conditions 
• It is rapidly degraded upon contact with RNases   

This intrinsic instability is further exacerbated by the widespread presence of RNases, a class of nucleases, in laboratory environments. RNases are highly active enzymes capable of rapidly degrading RNA, even in very small quantities. 

In addition, some RNases are particularly stable and may remain active even after autoclaving (steam sterilisation), making them difficult to eliminate during routine laboratory work (New England Biolabs, NEB). 

In practice, this means that even trace levels of RNases can rapidly compromise RNA samples during routine handling, highlighting the need for robust contamination control strategies. 

3. What are the main sources of RNA contamination in laboratory environments? 

RNases are ubiquitous in the environment and represent a major source of RNase contamination in laboratory environments. They can be introduced into RNA workflows through multiple contamination pathways, including: 

Human sources of RNase contamination:
Human skin, hair, and biological particles carried by laboratory personnel represent a primary source of contamination. Hands are a particularly critical vector during routine RNA handling, especially if aseptic techniques are not strictly followed. 

Airborne and environmental contamination:
Particles suspended in the air, including dust and microorganisms, may carry RNases. These contaminants can settle on work surfaces, equipment, or samples and lead to rapid RNA degradation.

Laboratory surfaces and materials:
Water, laboratory instruments, work surfaces, and consumables can also introduce RNases into the working environment if they are not properly controlled. Even when using RNase-free materials, contamination may occur during handling. 

Glove-related contamination risks:
Even when wearing gloves, RNases can be transferred from contaminated surfaces or from improper donning. Touching contaminated surfaces such as benches, equipment or packaging can compromise glove cleanliness during RNA handling. 

Cross-contamination during handling:
During multi-step workflows, RNases can be transferred from one sample, reagent or surface to another through repeated handling, pipetting or contact with shared equipment. 

In practice, these multiple contamination pathways show how easily RNA samples can be compromised, highlighting the importance of careful RNA handling, good laboratory practices and appropriate protective equipment to limit biological contamination in laboratory environments. 

Due to their high catalytic activity, even trace levels of RNases can rapidly degrade RNA samples, emphasising the importance of RNA sample degradation prevention and strict control of laboratory workflows and handling practices. 

4. How to control RNase contamination: role of laboratory gloves

The use of appropriate disposable gloves for RNA handling provides an essential protective barrier between the operator and laboratory samples. While personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, is primarily designed to protect laboratory personnel from exposure to biological hazards, it also plays a critical role in limiting contamination transfer to samples.   

In RNA-related laboratory work, the primary objective is to preserve RNA integrity during laboratory handling by preventing the introduction of RNases from hands, surfaces or the environment. In this context, laboratory gloves designed for biological risk protection help maintain both operator safety and sample integrity. 

Disposable gloves are regulated as personal protective equipment (PPE) under Regulation (EU) 2016/425. For high biological risk activities, the use of Category III gloves is required to ensure operator safety during sample handling. 

Gloves compliant with EN ISO 374 are designed to provide protection against chemicals, liquids and microorganisms. They support general contamination control, making them suitable for applications involving chemical and microbiological risks in laboratory environments. 

While these requirements ensure user protection, they also contribute to maintaining sample integrity by limiting contamination during handling. 

In laboratory environments, several practical considerations should guide glove selection: 

• Individually packed sterile gloves could be used: Pair-packed and sterile gloves reduce the risk of contamination during opening and donning. 
• Aseptic donning techniques should be adopted: Glove donning procedures must prevent contact between bare hands and the external surface of the glove. 
• Longer gloves (≥ 30 cm) may be preferred for contamination‑sensitive laboratory applications: Extended cuff length improves overlap with garments and reduces contamination risks at the wrist. 
• RNase-free tested gloves could be chosen: Certification ensures that gloves have been tested to minimise the presence of enzymatic contaminants. 

5. Industries affected by RNase contamination in RNA workflows 

Requirements related to RNase control primarily concern molecular biology and biotechnology research laboratories, where RNA is routinely handled. 

In these environments, even trace levels of RNases can lead to rapid RNA degradation and compromise experimental or analytical results. Maintaining RNA integrity is therefore a key challenge for laboratories working with sensitive applications. 

These constraints are not limited to research settings. Similar requirements apply to other laboratory environments relying on RNA analysis or molecular testing, including analytical and regulated laboratories. 

In addition, the development and production of mRNA-based medicines, particularly vaccines, require strict control of RNase contamination. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, contamination control strategies (CCS) are implemented in accordance with GMP Annex 1 requirements to manage these risks. 

In this context, the selection of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, plays an important role in reducing contamination risks. Proper glove selection helps protect both the user and the experimental process, contributing to more reliable and reproducible outcomes. 

6. Which are the best gloves for RNA handling in the laboratory? 

Handling RNA requires gloves that provide both effective protection and reliable contamination control. RNase-free gloves for laboratory use, compliant with EN ISO 374 and tested DNase- and RNase-free, help reduce the risk of sample degradation during RNA-related work. 

Sterile nitrile gloves for RNA applications, individually packed in pairs, are particularly suitable for laboratory environments. This packaging format helps minimise contamination during opening and donning, while ensuring a consistent level of cleanliness. 

In practice, RNase- and DNase-free tested gloves are used as part of RNA handling best practices in laboratory environments, particularly when combined with appropriate handling procedures and contamination control strategies. 

SHIELDskin™ ORANGE NITRILE™ 300 Sterile gloves meet these requirements and are designed for applications where RNA integrity must be maintained.