The first antimicrobial surgical glove has been launched in Australia, and will progressively be rolled out worldwide.

The Gammex Powder-Free Glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology is the first surgical glove to incorporate a proprietary antimicrobial coating to increase the protection of surgical staff.

The recognised need for infection control has led to rapid expansion of the global medical gloves market over the last decade.

The Gammex Powder-Free Glove has a proprietary inner coating containing skin-friendly agents and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), an antimicrobial agent commonly used in antiseptics and mouthwash.

Laboratory testing has shown that the antimicrobial coating kills over 99% of Hepatitis C1 and 99% of HIV-1 (strain Mn) within 60 seconds of exposure via a simulated glove breach.

The new surgical glove also kills over 99.7% of eight common healthcare infectious bacteria, comprising gram-positive, gram-negative and drug-resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA), within 60 seconds of exposure.

"Ansell's proprietary AMT Antimicrobial surgical glove technology is the result of intensive and collaborative research, and demonstrates the Company's ability for industry-leading innovation and new product development," said Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Ltd.

"It also underscores Ansell's commitment to continuously invest in seeking optimal solutions to better protect healthcare professionals in a world with an increasing number of high-risk pathogens."

With operations in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific, Ansell employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and is a market leader in medical gloves.

 
Gammex Powder-Free Glove