Kimberly-Clark over the head isolation gown and PURPLE NITRILE gloves

Gearing up for safety dance

by Jeannie Akridge

Responsible provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) carries with it implications that reach far beyond meeting requirements mandated by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). It provides assurance and peace of mind for the healthcare worker certainly, but also one less worry for patients, as well as hospital administration. Gloves, gowns, masks and other protective apparel can bolster and provide solid ground for infection prevention and safety efforts. On the other hand, inappropriate or inadequate use of PPE can leave caregivers, patients and visitors exposed to bacteria and deadly infections.

"Infection-control precautions are critical for protecting both clinicians and patients from hospital-acquired infections or HAIs. An effective infection-control program includes a careful selection and range of personal protective equipment (PPE), which, together with a comprehensive facility-wide program, is able to help reduce or minimize HAIs," said Edmund S. Tai, National Director, Tronex Healthcare. "This is becoming increasingly important today and for the future, as the healthcare reimbursement landscape shifts to outcomes-based reimbursement structures, where even one single HAI incident can result in significant financial impact to a healthcare provider organization, not to mention the impact on the individual patient."

"Informed use of PPE is a critical component of a hospital’s infection control program," agreed Ken Petersen, Director of Medical Marketing, Ansell. "Where there is likelihood of contact with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated items, appropriate PPE includes gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields, masks, eye protection, and ventilation devices."

In order to select the appropriate PPE, one must consider the route of transmission of bacterial contaminants, related Petersen. "The four recognized routes of infection are: Contact, Common-Vehicle, Airborne, and Vector Borne. Direct Contact transmission is combated by scrubs, hand disinfection, gloves, and suitable barrier clothing like gowns and aprons. Thorough washing after contact is also effective. Do not re-use gloves. Double-glove where there is risk of permeation and sharps puncture.

"Indirect contact transmission prevention," he continued, "includes cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of all surfaces, instruments and materials which may carry the infection. Indirect contact also includes aerosol transmission which is controlled by the proper use of surgical masks."

Blood and other body substances are the most frequent common-vehicle routes, said Petersen. "Contact should be prevented by using gloves and protective clothing like eyeware and masks. Other common-vehicle routes are water, food, and drugs, all protected by good hygienic practice."

In addition to selecting PPE "based on the anticipated exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials," said Debra Schotz, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Perioperative Products, Cardinal Health — important attributes to consider include: "Barrier protection or performance, material type, size, length, thickness, comfort and fit, strength and durability, AQL (when available), allergy concerns, vendor/supplier support and cost."

Jason Smith, Healthcare/Institutional Sales Manager, PolyConversions Inc. (PolyCo), offered this advice for selecting personal protective wear. "Healthcare workers should be vigilant and look for quality of materials and construction as well as strength and durability. PPE made in the U.S. can also give assurance to the end-user that the product is superior in technical quality and is clean and free of contamination. The current OSHA and AAMI standards and recommendations for PPE used to safeguard employees in blood-borne and chemical healthcare exposure scenarios should be continuously monitored by buyers and end-users."

For PPE to be effective, it must be readily available when needed, especially in the case of a pandemic or similar event.

Mike Bowen, Vice President of North Richland Hills, TX-based Prestige Ameritech asked buyers to carefully consider the pitfalls of relying solely on masks sourced from outside of the United States. "According to the federal government, hospitals rely on a U.S. mask supply that might not exist during the next pandemic," he cautioned. In the event of a pandemic or similar situation, said Bowen, "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fears that some or all of the U.S. mask supply will be confiscated by foreign health officials or will be impeded by border closures or infrastructure problems in the mask exporting countries. Materials managers, though familiar with pandemic induced shortages, have difficulty believing that a collapse of the mask supply is even possible. The government is working to change this erroneous perception."

John Gaida, Senior VP, Supply Chain Management, Texas Health Resources, has outfitted his health system with locally-sourced gloves from Prestige Ameritech. He described criteria for a pandemic situation and examples of recent outbreaks. "A pandemic must meet three conditions: 1) it is a new virus, 2) it infects humans causing severe symptoms, and 3) it spreads easily."

There have been a number of these instances in recent times, he noted: "In June of 2009, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared an H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic. By 2010, there were 17,000 deaths. In May of 2013, 17 people died from an outbreak of H1N1 in Venezuela.

"In mid-2003, a Bird Flu pandemic risk was declared among domesticated poultry. SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) — a disease transmitted by respiratory droplets via coughs or sneezes — appeared in southern China in late 2002. In 2008, there were 44 deaths in the U.S. from this disease.

"A fatal neurological disease found in cattle, Mad Cow disease outbreaks peaked in 1993; cases in the UK have been found as recently as 2007. Tuberculosis — an infectious bacterial disease of the lungs — is an old disease, but in 2008 there were close to 13,000 reported cases in the U.S. and almost 2 million related deaths worldwide.

"Add to the above, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and shut down of many Chinese production plants (due to the Chinese government wanting to clear the skies for the worldwide press)," he continued. "This created a serious shortage in the market. During this time, many healthcare systems had to scramble to find product — it showed just how vulnerable this supply chain really is for the U.S. market. The majority of the U.S. market depends on China and other foreign countries for the bulk of face mask/respirator supply."

Added Gaida, "I am very concerned that the next pandemic (and there will be one) could be catastrophic to healthcare delivery if we are not prepared. Outsourcing the majority of some of our key healthcare products (like face masks/respirators) puts us in a compromising position. Our healthcare system here attempts to utilize any U.S. manufacturer who can deliver quality product at reasonable prices. We are extremely fortunate to have a U.S. and local supplier who we can depend upon to provide a continuous supply of product in any crisis situation."

Protection-fitted gloves

Cardinal Health Flexal Feel Nitrile Exam Glove

With the appropriate use of PPE being a key factor in the prevention of transmissible infections for both healthcare workers and their patients, remarked Schotz, "medical gloves are one of the most commonly used items of PPE and one of the most important infection prevention products."

Medical gloves that are powder-free and non-latex can provide a solution for minimizing sensitivities and allergic reactions, Schotz advised. "Powder on gloves supports donnability, but powder can be an irritant for the wearer (e.g. compromised skin health) and the patient (e.g. post-operative complications, powder-related granulomas). Non-latex gloves are not made from natural rubber latex. By eliminating latex, you minimize the exposure to latex and the potential for sensitivity or allergic reaction."

Cardinal Health recently introduced its lightest-weight exam glove, the Flexal Feel Nitrile Exam Glove, said Schotz. "They offer the comfort and protection of a nitrile glove with the tactile sensitivity of a latex one, and their form fitting, lighter feel promotes natural hand movement. Flexal Feel Nitrile Exam Gloves also feature a textured fingertip that provides enhanced grip over traditional nitrile gloves without compromising reliability or durability."

"For additional protection in the OR," said Schotz, [Cardinal Health] also offers colored double-gloving systems that support sharps safety practices. Protexis blue colored undergloves from Cardinal Health are specially designed to provide breach detection, to don easily, to enhance tactile response, and to protect, restore and moisturize and soothe hands."

Schotz noted, "AORN recently updated its RP [Recommended Practices] on Transmissible Infections and Sterile Technique to promote the practice of double-gloving with a colored underglove (perforation indication systems) during surgical and other invasive procedures."1,2

In addition to being latex-free, Ansell Healthcare’s new GAMMEX Non-Latex Sensitive Surgical Glove featuring Sensoprene is designed to also help prevent chemical allergies. Made without natural rubber latex and chemical accelerators, the SENSOPRENE formulation helps reduce the risk of both latex and chemical allergies while maintaining glove strength, said Petersen. The gloves are also FDA-approved for handling chemotherapy drugs.

Describing the role that chemical allergies play in glove-related reactions among healthcare workers, Petersen said, "While many hospitals worldwide have switched to non-latex gloves to reduce the incidence of latex allergic reactions among healthcare workers and patients, chemical allergies, also called Type IV allergies, have increased steadily. In fact, clinical evidence shows that 33% of glove-related reactions are chemical allergies, while 17% are latex allergies.3,4

Petersen offered this advice for selecting medical gloves. "Be aware of the level of exposure risk that the patient-care activities will require. Procedures that involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material require a glove material that provides appropriate barrier protection. Selecting a glove that maintains both skin and barrier integrity is key," he also emphasized.

Radiation Attenuation Gloves from Ansell are used to shield hands from the harmful effects of scattered radiation exposure during fluoroscopic procedures. The gloves are made with bismuth oxide in natural rubber latex and are powder-free and lead-free.

Ansell’s Cut-Resistant Glove Liners made with Spectra polyethylene fiber provide superior cut resistance and protection during rigorous procedures, said Petersen. He cited test results that found the Spectra polyethylene fiber to be 17 times more cut resistant than latex and 10 times more cut resistant than leather, using a slicing cam at 50 rpm on BetaTec machine with a 45-gram load. It is recommended that the sterile Cut-Resistant Glove Liners, which are classified as personal protection equipment, rather than medical devices, be worn between two powder-free surgical gloves when used during surgical procedures, he said.

Noting that "disposable examination gloves are one of the most important first-line levels of protection for clinical staff and patients," Tai, Tronex, advised careful vetting of manufacturers’ quality standards. "While this product category appears standardized from afar by virtue of the required FDA 510(k) approvals and continuous regulatory compliance, in practice, such standards only define and enforce minimum performance thresholds.

"Therefore, there are significant variations from one glove to another and one brand to another that differentiate and add significant value to the essential areas for optimal performance and clinical preference in application," he said. "Some of these key areas include material composition, glove length, and thickness, all of which are based on each brand and manufacturer’s calibration, balancing of specifications, and ability to understand and address the needs across various usage applications. This culminates in unique performance and protective attributes associated with the brands that most innovatively address all of these important priorities."

Tai described new Sterile Nitrile Textured Examination gloves from Tronex as being ideally suited for specialty applications that require a sterile exam glove such as OR prep, labor and delivery, wound care and sterile pharmaceutical compounding. "Offered at an excellent value and conveniently packaged in ‘easy-peel’ pouches for portability and kitting applications, Tronex Sterile Nitrile Textured Exam Gloves are available as ambidextrous singles or pairs," said Tai. "These 100% latex free gloves feature a fully textured surface for an improved grip in both wet and dry environments and for various procedures. They have been meticulously crafted to provide exceptional barrier protection and puncture resistance combined with outstanding tensile strength, fit, and dexterity."

To help minimize packaging consumption and reduce environmental impact, Tronex now also offers new increased box-count options for many of its advanced Nitrile Examination Gloves, added Tai.

Helping to ensure easy access to exam gloves, Sempermed’s Smart Dispense Technology, Single Glove Delivery system is an innovative process in which gloves are proficiently packed into each dispenser box. The enhanced technology allows one glove to dispense at a time; eliminating frustration and helping to reduce unnecessary waste. This new packing process ensures gloves are less wrinkled and clump free making each glove easier to dispense and don. The Smart Dispense Technology, Single Glove Delivery system is now available via the StarMed Ultra Nitrile Powder Free Examination brand. Sempermed’s Tender Touch Nitrile Powder Free Examination gloves will also be manufactured and packaged with the Smart Dispense Technology, Single Glove Delivery system beginning in the summer of 2013, said the company.

Kimberly-Clark Health Care’s full line of nitrile medical exam gloves provide exceptional fit and feel without the risks associated with latex-related sensitivity or allergy, and are available in three different levels of nitrile protection, noted Jason Beard, Associate Marketing Director, North American Infection Prevention. KC500 PURPLE NITRILE exam gloves provide protection where risk of fluid exposure is moderate to high; KC300 STERLING nitrile exam gloves are designed to fit and feel like latex with excellent comfort and tactile sensitivity, said Beard, and are recommended for situations where expected fluid exposure is low to high. "KC100 LAVENDER nitrile exam gloves are thinner, lighter and more economical than standard nitrile, yet they retain the protective properties required for excellent performance across a wide range of healthcare tasks," he said.

Coated on the inside with pure, organic, freeze dried aloe, Medline’s Aloetouch latex-free gloves help moisturize and soothe dry skin. "With skin irritation being a significant barrier to hand hygiene compliance, the soothing and moisturizing benefits of Aloetouch gloves can ultimately help improve hand hygiene compliance," reasoned Emily Somers, Director of Marketing for Medline’s exam glove division.

PolyCo VR Sleeved decontam glove

Medline’s Microstop is an antimicrobial film placed over the opening of the glove box to help isolate the gloves from environmental contaminants such as respiratory aerosols. The film also helps with the dispensing of gloves from the box and is available with Medline’s Aloetouch Ice and SensiCare Ice exam gloves.

PolyCo’s VR Sleeve Glove is a unique combination of an 11 mil nitrile glove fused to a VR 4 mil Protective Sleeve, described Smith. "This patent-pending combination offers the employee full hand and arm impervious direct-contact protection against liquids, detergents, quaternary compounds, biohazardous materials and most chemicals including chemotherapy drug agents. Applications in the healthcare environment include housekeeping, sterile processing, dietary, laboratory, oncology and other departments where full hand/arm non-sterile protection is desirable."

Behind the mask

Face masks provide protection from aerosolized bacteria and/or splashes and sprays, and are available in a variety of forms and protection levels, including procedure and surgical masks, as well as NIOSH-approved N95 particulate filtering facepiece respirators.

"There are many factors to consider when selecting the right mask for the job," said Lance Olson, Marketing Supervisor, 3M Infection Prevention Division. "As a healthcare worker, you need to understand the exposure level of the procedure. The first factor to think about is whether or not you need fluid resistance. There are three levels, one to three, with three being the highest level at 160 mmHg. If you will be in a procedure with heavy to moderate levels of fluid, you would want the level three protection. If there is no exposure to fluids, you can use a mask without fluid resistance.

"A second factor is breathability," he continued. "The lower the Delta-P, the easier it is to breathe through the mask. Finally you have BFE (bacterial filtration efficiency) and PFE (particulate filtration efficiency). With the ASTM F2100-04 standard, test results are provided comparing performance of masks under similar laboratory conditions. This does not reflect expected levels of filtration efficiency in actual use conditions," he noted.

"3M Health Care masks incorporate soft inner liners for improved comfort," Olson added. "We also carry masks with all dyes and colorants removed. Finally, masks with face shields are constructed with anti-fog and anti-reflective technology, and as a result, caregivers are more likely to use and wear the product correctly."

"3M Health Care respirators and surgical masks are engineered with proprietary Advanced Electrostatic Media (AEM)," said Olson. "Our unique manufacturing process injects a high level of electrostatic charge into microfibers arranged in an open formation that allows for the greater passage of air through the media. These highly-charged microfibers greatly enhance the capture of airborne particles and enable 3M to design respirators with reduced breathing resistance."

Commenting on features that end users seek in a mask, Olson said, "3M is continually trying to make a mask that customers like to wear. We have carried antimicrobial masks and masks with scent to help battle odors on the market, but the key features customers are looking for include comfort and breathability."

Cardinal Health’s Smart-Seal Surgical Mask is uniquely designed for enhanced protection, explained Schotz. "The efficacy of a surgical mask is reduced when there are gaps present around the mask. Traditional high-filtration surgical masks do not seal the face and may allow dangerous contaminants to enter the healthcare worker’s breathing zone. The industry’s first ‘cinch and hug’ design of the Smart-Seal Surgical Mask creates a custom seal around the wearer’s nose and mouth. The innovative design eliminates gaps between the wearer’s face and the mask, promoting proper use and helping to reduce contamination risks in the perioperative environment."

Smart-Seal also features a first-of-its-kind, patent-pending fog-reduction system that includes closed-cell foam and an anti-fog vapor barrier, said Schotz. "Ninety-four percent of Smart-Seal mask wearers reported having zero fog during their surgical procedures. Additionally, the single-tie design of the Smart-Seal Surgical Mask encourages proper AORN techniques. Without a bottom tie the wearer will not be able to let the mask hang from their neck."

Tronex NIOSH-Approved N95 Particulate Respirators are available in both molded cone and fold-flat cone designs, as well as in multiple sizes, both with or without one-way exhalation valves, Tai explained. "Tronex N95 respirator face masks ensure a successful seal to an extremely wide range of facial sizes and structures, and cater to various indoor and outdoor application settings, tasks, and associated storage options."

Tronex Isolation, Procedure, and Surgical Face Masks are available in both conventional pleated construction and duckbill styles, with features such as soft fastening ties and earloops as well as soft nose bridge backing or foam nose bridge strips to help absorb perspiration and prevent fogging while increasing comfort, Tai noted.

The new Tronex Pediatric Procedure Face Mask features three pleated layers of breathable, fluid-resistant nonwoven polypropylene spunbond (PPSB) material for exceptional protection, comfort, and softness, said Tai. "Designed to provide a precise, secure fit for smaller faces, this child-size face mask features elastic earloops, a malleable nosepiece that conforms to facial contours, and latex-free construction with a child-friendly print to increase compliance. It provides a high level of Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (>99%) for maximum performance and is well-suited for applications to protect immuno-compromised pediatric patients, for children with chronic respiratory conditions, or for those presenting with symptoms of an undiagnosed respiratory illness in waiting room environments."

Prestige Ameritech ProGear N95 Respirator

Bowen noted that Prestige Ameritech provides "a mask supply that is under American control at all times. When a pandemic is announced, our customers can rest knowing that no foreign health official is going to confiscate their masks," he assured. "Our ‘feature’ is MADE IN USA. Our ‘benefit’ is a state of the art mask supply that cannot be confiscated by foreign health officials or disrupted by border closures or foreign infrastructure problems."

According to Beard, "Kimberly-Clark is one of the first manufacturers to offer a complete line of face masks that meets the latest ASTM F2100-11 standard at all levels. ASTM F2100 is recognized by the FDA as the standard for medical face masks. ASTM recently issued new guidelines for performance of medical face masks, including a requirement for fluid resistance and particulate filtration for even a Level 1 mask. ASTM F2100-11 standards also call for mask packaging to be clearly labeled with the level of protection offered in one of three performance levels: 1 (low fluid risk), 2 (moderate fluid risk), or 3 (high fluid risk). This new standard reinforces the importance of labeling to identify protection level, based on fluid resistance, filtration, and breathability. This greatly simplifies the process of mask selection for the healthcare professional."

Beard added, "For an item of PPE that is considered by many healthcare professionals to be perhaps the most personal of all PPE, face mask features are as important as the clinical specifications and protection that they provide. K-C provides a wide range of user-preferred features, including our proprietary So Soft bicomponent inner lining found in many K-C face masks, a material that is designed to be non-irritating and more comfortable to wear."

Beard noted that Kimberly-Clark manufactures face masks in its own manufacturing facilities in North America. "This enables us to respond quickly to any type of pandemic threat, when the demand and need for face masks and respirators can increase quickly."

In addition to a complete line of Fluidshield fluid-resistant face masks that meet ASTM Level 3, providing the highest level of protection from fluids that is recognized by the ASTM F2100 standard — Kimberly-Clark recently introduced, as part of its complete line-up of ASTM F2100-11 rated masks, several new surgical masks that meet the Level 1 performance level.

"These masks use the latest material science designed to offer a minimal level of fluid protection in a surgical mask that is cost-effective enough for routine use," said Beard, adding, "The AORN guidelines indicate that all face masks worn in the perioperative setting should provide fluid protection. Unfortunately today, it is thought that as many as half the face masks worn in the OR are not fluid-resistant. But AORN cites, ‘A study of 8,500 surgical procedures revealed that 26% of blood exposures were to the heads and necks of scrubbed personnel. The same study revealed that 17% of blood exposures occurred in the nonscrubbed, circulating personnel outside the sterile field.’5 This suggests that fluid-resistant masks are the appropriate choice for the OR, at all times."

Ed Durkin, Director of Marketing, Precept Medical, described the company’s FluidGard Plus Fluid Resistant Face Masks as delivering "outstanding quality at surprisingly low prices. One of our most advanced designs, FluidGard Plus has exceptional fluid resistance, passing ASTM F1862 at 160mmHg. Both FluidGard Plus procedure and surgical masks with anti-glare shield feature black banding under the eyes to help reduce glare from lighting. Soft ties and bindings ensure a secure and comfortable fit."

Precept recently introduced a second generation of Face Shields in both full and ¾ length, said Durkin. "Both have a larger, more comfortable foam head band. The improved, thicker anti-fog shield design maximizes area of coverage for protection."

Unique features of Ansell’s GAMMEX N95 Respirator and Surgical Mask include a hybrid design and patented face seal that allows more air flow without compromise to N95 capabilities, said Petersen. "Users experience fresher, cooler, more breathable mask comfort. The unique face seal fits a broader range of individuals for more efficient fit testing. Other key features include a 3 layer filter design for filtration to 0.1 microns and type 2 fluid resistance, and a light weight flat-fold style that is easy to carry and store."

Medline offers a unique facial protection product with its BioMask antiviral facemask. "Traditional facemasks act only as an air filter and do nothing to neutralize the harmful germs that remain active on the mask itself," said Brian Tomkins, Product Manager, Face Masks. "But Medline’s BioMask is a major breakthrough in protection as it actually inactivates flu viruses within five minutes of contact. BioMask is the first-ever FDA-cleared antiviral medical facemask that is shown to inactivate flu viruses, including the H3N2, last year’s dominant strain, as well as other laboratory tested flu viruses such as imminent pandemic and seasonal strains of influenza (flu) viruses, such as H1N1, Avian flu and Swine flu.

"The benefit of the BioMask is that it can provide protection from cross contamination," he continued. "The outer facing of the mask is frequently touched by the user, who then touches other things or people passing on the flu germs. Since BioMask inactivates 99.99% of the tested flu viruses on five minutes contact, the risk of spreading the virus is greatly reduced."

Medline over-the-head isolation gown

Gowns and protective wear

As with masks, isolation gowns are available in a wide variety of styles and protection levels. For example, in a nod towards easier donnability, over-the-head style isolation gowns are becoming increasingly popular with several manufacturers offering updated options.

"Over-the-head isolation gowns are quick and easy to don and doff, and promote compliance by eliminating neck ties and tape tabs that clinicians can forget to fasten," said Schotz, noting that Cardinal Health recently expanded its over-the-head isolation gown portfolio.

Medline offers over-the-head isolation gowns in open and full back options with a selection of material barrier options for tailored protection, noted Stephanie Pasko, Director of Marketing for Medline’s personal protective equipment division. "The over-the-head style reduces donning and removal time by 30 percent and the style makes it difficult to don the gown incorrectly. The gowns feature thumb loop wrists that keep the wrists covered and allows the gloves to glide on."

Kimberly-Clark’s new Over the Head Isolation Gown with Thumb Hooks aids compliance and enhances protection, said Beard. "Our Over the Head Gown was designed for healthcare personnel to easily slip over the head and don and doff in seconds." Made of cool and comfortable SMS fabric, and featuring generous sizing to enable the wearer plenty of room to move, the open back design of the Over the Head Gown also provides ventilation for added comfort. Thumb hooks help prevent sleeve ride-up and glove slippage, added Beard. Kimberly-Clark also introduced a new US-made, AAMI Level 2 Facility-Wide Use KC200 Isolation Gown featuring a wide belt and simple-to-close neck tape for easier donning.

Along with its new Pediatric Face Mask, Tronex now offers Pediatric Isolation Gowns in two material styles and sizes to provide effective protection for various environments and corresponding risk levels. "The PPSB gowns are soft, breathable, and fluid resistant, offering ideal protection for light fluid exposure, whereas the spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) gowns are constructed of a strong, three-ply material that offers superior softness and fluid protection," said Tai. "Both gown styles feature long sleeves, elastic cuffs, a full back, and ties at the neck and waist for easy donning and removal."

With a comprehensive gown line "to address all levels of fluid and bacterial/viral exposure risk as well as address the need for healthcare facilities to clearly distinguish gowns and their respective users," said Tai, Tronex offers features such as full-back and open-back coverage, latex-free knitted or elastic cuffs and a full range of over-the-head thumb-hook styles.

PolyCo’s VR Protective Wear (boot covers, shoe covers, gowns, aprons, rain wear and sleeve gloves) offers a non-porous impervious barrier in light-weight durable material weights of 4 and 6 mil gauges and in a variety of sizes, Smith explained. "VR Gowns with elastic or thumbloop cuffs provide full frontal protection. A proprietary material manufactured by PolyCo, VR, in clinical tests involving direct contact 24-hour exposure to toxic chemicals including hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, sulfuric and nitric acids, revealed absolutely no catastrophic failure or vapor transmission."

Added Smith, "PolyCo VR Gowns are approximately one half the cost of Poly-Coated SMS Gowns or Poly Vinyl Coat Aprons. For even greater savings VR Protective Wear in durable 4 and 6 mil weights can be easily cleaned and reused using a disinfectant spray or wipe."

"PolyCo’s VR products can be safely disposed of with minimal environmental impact," he said. "VR does not contain any plasticizers (as is in PVC), is low-linting and does not fleck after frequent use. VR can be easily recycled by a plastics recycler or incinerated with no toxic emissions."

The ‘thumbloop’ design of the PolyCo VR Gowns can eliminate the potential for chemicals and biohazardous liquids from penetrating under the gown between the gown sleeve and the cuff of the glove, Smith explained. VR Gown seams are thermally sealed rather than sewn for improved leak-proof protection, and the gowns exhibit a high degree of tensile/tear strength and puncture resistance, added Smith.

"Chemical, biohazard liquids/fluids and chemo drug splashes need to be guarded against by protective wear with a proven impervious barrier," Smith emphasized. "Poly-Coated spunbonded or SMS gowns are suspect for adequate barrier protection because of the non-uniformity and the pin-hole potential of the non-woven poly coatings. VR Protective Wear is made in the U.S. of 4 and 6 mil metallacene PE extruded material. Unlike off-shore manufacturers of personal protective wear including spunbonded non-wovens, PolyCo uses only U.S.-made materials and incorporates the strictest quality assurance practices in the manufacture of its products. There are no pin-holes or material gels (that cause tears) often found in protective wear made by foreign producers."

Precept Medical Red Bouffant

Precept Medical offers a unique product with its new red-colored bouffant caps. Durkin described how the red bouffant caps might be used throughout the hospital. "Here’s a simple, inexpensive concept, utilizing a product commonly used throughout most healthcare facilities. Maintain a stock of Precept RED Bouffant Caps (#22151) in the O.R. and other sterile areas specifically to identify Non-Hospital Personnel (i.e. Vendors and other visitors). RED CAP your visitors and you will always know your staff. Like all Precept bouffant caps, it is soft, lightweight, and lint free." He noted that the caps are also available in green, blue, white, and designer print.

2013 PPE Vendor Listings

References

1. Recommended Practices for Sterile Technique, AORN Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices for Inpatient and Ambulatory Settings, AORN, inc. 2013 Edition.

2. Recommended Practices for Prevention of Transmissible Infections in the Perioperative Practice Setting, AORN Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices for Inpatient and Ambulatory Settings, AORN, inc. 2013 Edition.

3. Types of eczema: hand dermatitis. EczemaNet Web site. http://skincarephysicians.com/ eczemanet/hand_dermatitis.html. Updated December 7, 2006. Accessed July 20, 2011.

4. Filon FL, Bosco A, Fiorito A, Negro C, Barbina P. Latex symptoms and sensitisation in health care workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2001;74:219-223.

5. Romney MG. Surgical face masks in the operating theatre: re-examining the evidence. J Hosp Infect. 2001; 47(4):251-256.