The increased use of gloves in healthcare facilities has resulted in a corresponding increase in skin reactions. These include reports of contact dermatitis, natural rubber latex protein allergy, and chemical burns. Problems include personal discomfort, reduced work efficiency, absenteeism and down-grading to less skilled work. As a result, latex and non-latex gloving alternatives have become an important issue for both patients and staff. So too has the issue of powder versus powder-free gloves, as the donning powder contributes to the spread of allergens and other bacteria. Ansell's Advanced Solutions® provide programs for latex-free, powder-free and chemical protection environments.

POWDER-FREE ENVIRONMENTS The presence of glove powders can be a real problem: post-operative complications, irritant and allergic skin reactions, aeroallergen transmissions, and contamination of laboratory specimens and procedures. The use of powder-free gloves throughout the hospital can be the most effective way to solve powder-related problems. Ansell offers a range of powder-free gloves diverse enough to bring the benefits of powder-free gloves to all departments. LATEX-SAFE ENVIRONMENTS The primary principle in allergy management is to avoid the offending allergen by limiting environmental contact--a formidable task since many medical devices contain components made of natural rubber latex. Ansell has developed suggested guidelines for healthcare professionals in the establishment of a latex-safe environment. Our Clinical Consultants understand the critical issues relating to latex allergy and can provide the knowledge and training required for the healthcare facility to formulate its own guidelines and policies. Ansell provides a complete line of latex-free gloves that offer the same comfort and performance of latex, without latex-associated problems. PROTECTION FROM CHEMICALS AND HEAT Ansell's Chemical Resistant Guide to safe handling of hazardous materials informs healthcare personnel, safety specialists and other qualified professionals of the suitability of a glove product for a specific job. These guidelines also include information for healthcare workers that deal with cytotoxic drugs. Ansell has a selection of gloves to meet these recommendations such as latex, neoprene, nitrile and polyethylene. ADVANCED SOLUTIONS® FOR EVER ENVIRONMENT Ambulance Services, Anesthesiology, Blood Bank, Burn Unit, Central Processing, Chemotherapy, Dietary, Emergency Room, Employee Health, Hemodialysis, Housekeeping, ICU, Isolation, Laboratory, Labor & Delivery, Morgue, Nursing Units, Oncology, Operating Room, Pathology, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Research, Special Clinics.