AQL (acceptable quality level) is an arbitrary, self-imposed
specification that allows manufacturers to monitor their production
processes on an ongoing basis.
In the case of medical gloves, Product Standards demanded by health
authorities define AQLS. These levels are usually adopted by end
users.
Most standards around the world specify an AQL for holes of 1.5 in
surgical gloves and 2.5 in examination gloves.
If the AQL is 1, the defect level from a very large number of samples
will not be more than 1%. For example, a batch of one million units may
contain up to 10,000 defectives. AQL1.5 allows 15,000 defectives, and
AQL0.065 about 650.
However, this tells us very little about the defect level in a smaller
lot. For example, in a box of 100 gloves the chances of having zero
defects ranges significantly from almost 94% at AQL0.065 to only 8% at
AQL2.5.
| No. of Defects |
AQL 0.065 |
AQL 1.5 |
AQL 2.5 |
0
1
2
3
4
5
6+ |
93.7%
6.1%
0.2% |
22.1%
33.6%
25.3%
12.6%
4.6%
1.4%
0.4% |
8.0%
20.4%
25.9%
21.7%
13.5%
6.6%
3.9% |
As the table shows, the average risk of receiving 2 or more holes in 100
pieces is virtually nil at AQL0.065. The risk is around 71.6% at
AQL2.5.
When purchasing Surgical Gloves, AQL figures should be borne in mind as
being relative to the amount of security you require in your
procedures.
