In 1992, in response to a Medical Alert from the FDA, Ansell initiated a number of major programs to define and address issues relating to latex allergy. The initiative is called AnsellCares and is far reaching and comprehensive. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The AnsellCares Scientific Advisory Board is an international group of professionals created to identify and eliminate relevant protein allergens. AnsellCares has funded their research into latex allergies and hand barrier protection, and has funded countless educational programs and awareness campaigns. Ansell has used the extensive research generated to develop a number of proprietary steps which differentiate the Ansell manufacturing process. Planned product improvement and development include the introduction of new low allergen, powder-free gloves and new neoprene, nitrile and polyurethane Latex Free. In addition, manufacturing production lines continue to be converted to powder-free products. EDUCATION PROGRAMS Education and Awareness is a top priority at Ansell. Comprehensive educational programs, newsletters, and technical bulletins inform healthcare professionals, hospital management and others of the latest developments in hand barrier research and technology. Ansellhealthcare.com on the World Wide Web has been developed to provide healthcare professionals with frequently updated information on natural rubber latex issues. EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Glove Management & Utilization Guidelines in the Development of a Latex-Safe Environment Chemical Protection Powder-Free Environment Glove Selection ACCREDITATION The following courses are approved for contact hours in Category I for CST and CST/CFA by the Association of Surgical Technologists Inc. See individual programs for contact hours awarded by AST. Barrier Protection - Skin Sensitivity Issues Understanding Natural Rubber Latex, Chemical Allergies and Powder-Related Problems Associated with Glove Barriers Barrier Protection & Choosing Proper Hand Barriers Understanding the Relationship between Surgical Gloves and Electrosurgery Suggested Guidelines in the Development of a Latex-Safe Environment An Analysis of Gloving Materials Latex Allergies & Proper Glove Selection is specially designed for all Dental Professionals. Ansell is an AGD approved provider of contact hours.   Bioterrorism Agents and Barrier Protection is approved by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. Please Note: Ansell Education Services: 800.321.9752 x 7277 or info@ansellhealthcare.com. These educational programs are available in PDF format. In order to view these files, you will need Adobe Reader. Click here to download Adobe Reader. Barrier Protection     Optimizing Barrier Protection During a Pandemic Event Caused by Influenza A This educational module provides basic knowledge of the safety issues associated with pandemic risks and prevention strategies to avert adverse reactions. 27-pg. self-study guide; test; 2.4 contact hrs, Exp. Date 1/10     Bioterrorism Agents And Barrier Protection This educational module examines the history and evolution of bioterrorism, including an extensive review of the six primary biological agents and their repective clinical presentations; as well as prevention strategies and infection control measures; amd appropriate barrier protection for each of the agents. 28-pg. self-study guide; test; 4.8 contact hours, Exp. Date 2/10     Basic Considerations of Radiation Safety and Barrier Protection Points discussed in this material are radiology; history of medical diagnostic imaging; biological effects of x-rays; safety principles for using x-rays; the three categories of radiation used in medicine; regulations related to radiation exposure; and monitoring of radiation exposure. 19-pg. self-study guide; test; 1.2 contact hrs, Exp. Date 7/08     Understanding Hepatitis and the Appropriate Barrier Protection Learn about viral hepatitis; liver function; and the different types of hepatitis; including clinical presentations, treatment, prognosis, prevention strategies, trends and statistics, and risk to healthcare workers. Understand infection control measures and appropriate barrier protection for hepatitis A,B,C,D,E,G and why hepatitis F is not included with the other hepatitis viruses. 27-pg. self-study guide; test; 2.0 contact hrs, Exp. Date 7/08     An Analysis of Gloving Materials This educational module examines surgical and examination glove properties and compares the characteristics of gloves made from various gloving materials. 11-pg. self-study guide; test; 1.5 contact hrs, Exp. Date 2/10     Hand Hygiene: Skin and Hand Care in the Healthcare Setting This educational program offers the leaner another opportunity to understand and integrate the recent CDC recommendations for hand hygiene. It reviews the clinical skin issues that can be fundamental in understanding good skin health and how to maintain healthy skin. It reviews the barriers to compliance so HCW's can overcome them in the facility. 19 pg. self-study guide; test; 1 contact hrs. Exp. Date 2/09     Understanding the Issues of Double Gloving This educational module examines the practice of double-gloving for invasive surgical procedures. It addresses the research on reasons for glove failure and statistics on increased protection with the use of double gloves. It also addresses double-gloving technique, and organizational recommendations regarding double-gloving. 13 pg. self study guide; test; 1 Contact Hour; Exp. Date 5/09 Latex Allergy     Understanding Latex Allergy in the Healthcare Setting This program is a comprehensive discussion on the manufacturing of natural rubber latex gloves with an emphasis on powder-free gloves. It discusses the potential reactions, both allergic and non-allergic to Natural Rubber Latex glove use, the tests used to diagnose these conditions and treatment options. It further discusses the only FDA approved method for identifying protein content in natural rubber latex gloves so the reader can be educated to appropriately select low-protein, powder-free latex gloves to maintain a Latex-Safe Environment within the Healthcare Setting. 17-pg. self-study guide; test; 2.0 contact hours, Exp. Date 7/31/08     Understanding the Hazards of Glove Powder This program examines the use of powder as a donning agent with latex gloves. It addresses staff, patient, and healthcare economic issues in regard to the wide range of adverse reactions associated with powders. 11-pg. self-study guide; test; 1.2 contact hours, Exp. Date 5/09 Specialized     Understanding the Relationship between Surgical Gloves and Electrosurgery Learn the basic principles of electrosurgery as related to surgical gloves and ways to prevent intraoperative electrical shock or burn to surgical personnel during electrosurgery. 6-pg. self-study guide; tests; 1.2 contact hours, Exp. Date 8/07 LECTURES/SEMINARS: To disseminate information about hand barrier protection issues, lectures are developed by our Clinical Consultants for presentation to healthcare professionals and concerned consumers.