NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Iselin, NJ, United States, 2013/12/10 - Ansell, a global leader in protection solutions, today announces the results of a recently published study1 demonstrating that antimicrobial surgical gloves have the potential to decrease the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) - Ansell.com.

In the event of a glove breach, the antimicrobial agent can suppress the regrowth of bacteria on surgeons’ hands and help prevent bacterial contamination of the surgical site. Ansell is leading the industry in developing such advanced technologies and innovations, including the GAMMEX® Powder-Free surgical glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology, to help address the problem of SSIs and help reduce the risk of microbial transmission.

Glove breaches compromise the effectiveness of the physical protective barrier provided by surgical gloves. Glove breaches have been shown to be common, occurring in up to 65% of surgeries, 1 and up to 83% of glove breaches are not noticed by surgeons.2 In addition, the likelihood of glove breach increases with the duration of the procedure. Also increasing with the duration of the procedure is the regrowth of skin-flora on surgeons’ hands, 3 which has the potential to contaminate the surgical site in the event of a glove breach. The World Health Organization estimates the rate of SSI from 0.5% to 15%, depending on the type of procedure and patient factors.4 SSIs are known to have a significant impact on length of patient stay, patient costs, and health system costs.

“The results of this study demonstrate the value of our one-of-a-kind antimicrobial surgical glove as a significant advancement in technology that directly addresses a significant problem in healthcare, and can ultimately increase patient safety,” said Anthony B. Lopez, President and General Manager, Ansell Medical Solutions. “With protection and performance at the forefront of everything we do, we will continue to innovate in the surgical glove space to provide new safety solutions world-wide.”

Ansell provides the GAMMEX Powder-Free with AMT Antimicrobial Technology surgical glove, which has an antimicrobial inner coating containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) proven effective against greater than 99% of hepatitis C virus, 99% of HIV-1 strain Mn, and 99.7% to greater than 99.999% of eight common bacteria, including gram-positive, gram-negative and drug-resistant bacteria.2 Produced on proprietary anatomic Ansell formers, these gloves provide superior comfort and fit as well as a micro-textured palm surface for better instrument grip.

*GAMMEX® Powder-Free surgical gloves with AMT Antimicrobial Technology are only available for sale in select countries.
**GAMMEX® Powder-Free surgical gloves with AMT Antimicrobial Technology are not proven to protect against bloodborne infections where the skin is broken, cut or punctured.

1 Assadian et. al. Suppression of surgeons’ bacterial hand flora during surgical procedures using a new antimicrobial surgical glove. Surg Infect 2013; October 12.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24116857 Last accessed November 21, 2013.
Dr. Assadian has performed consulting work for Quantum Management & Service, a paid consultant of Ansell and/or its affiliates.
2 Thomas S, et. al. Intraoperative glove perforation single versus double gloving in protection against skin contamination. Postgrad Med J. 2001;77:458-460.
3 Eklund AM, et al. Glove punctures and postoperative skin flora of hands in cardiac surgery. Ann Thorac Surg 2002;74:149-153.
4 World Health Organization. Prevention of hospital-acquired infections. WHO/CDS/CSR/EPH/2002.12
5 Data on file.

About Ansell
Ansell (ansell.com) is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well-being.

With operations in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 13,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the personal protective equipment and medical gloves market, as well as in the sexual health and well-being category worldwide. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Specialty Markets and Sexual Wellness.

Written by / Agency / Source: Ansell Healthcare

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