GLOVE TESTING Methodology The glove's embryo cytotoxicity was tested using a mouse two-cell assay, a standard bioassay utilized to test media, plasticware, and gloves. Briefly, this was accomplished by injection B6C3F1 female mice with 10 IU of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG), followed 48 hours later by injection of 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Immediately following HCG injection, the female mice were placed with B6C3F1 male mice to mate. Approximately 40 hours post HCG, the female mice were sacrificed and two-cell embryos harvested. The embryos were pooled, then randomly assigned to either a control or test petri dish. Both petri dishes contained Human Tubal Media (HTF), a standard medium used in Assisted Reproductive Laboratories. The test media had undergone a brief exposure to one of the test gloves. Following approximately 72 hours of incubation in a 5% CO2 incubator at 37° C, the embryos were assessed to determine their cell stage. The percentage of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage was then calculated. An 80% or greater blastocyst formation rate is considered passing. Test Item Item: Ansell Encore surgical gloves Lot #: 778062 Test date: 2/5/99 Results Control: 87% (13/15) blastocyst formation Test item: 100% (15/15) blastocyst formation Conclusion: These gloves are acceptable for embryo use. Test Item Item: Ansell Encore Acclaim surgical gloves Lot #: TS0963 Test date: 2/5/99 Results Control: 94% (15/16) blastocyst formation Test item: 93% (14/15) blastocyst formation Conclusion: These gloves are acceptable for embryo use. Test Item Item: Ansell Encore MicrOptic surgical gloves Lot #: 773679 Test date: 1/29/99 Results Control: 100% (16/16) blastocyst formation Test item: 87% (13/15) blastocyst formation Conclusion: These gloves are acceptable for embryo use.