Ansell Extends Antimicrobial Product Offering with New Non-latex Surgical Glove

ISELIN, New Jersey, November 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Ansell, a global leader in protection solutions, today announced the extension of its market-leading antimicrobial technology product range, to include non-latex surgical gloves. The advanced GAMMEX^® Non-Latex Antimicrobial^[1],[3] surgical glove is now available in Canada, with broader roll-out to follow.

Ansell first launched its unique and proprietary AMT™ Antimicrobial Technology, to industry acclaim, in Australia in 2010, with the GAMMEX Powder-Free with AMT Antimicrobial Technology surgical glove. Today, Ansell is building on this success and extending its antimicrobial technology range to include a latex-free surgical glove, another new to the world medical device.

The GAMMEX Non-Latex Antimicrobial surgical glove provides a new level of protection for healthcare workers, protecting not only against latex (Type I) allergies, but against microbial transmission due to intraoperative glove breaches. Up to 83% of glove breaches go unnoticed by surgeons, further increasing the risk of contamination.*

The glove's antimicrobial chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) coating is effective against 99% of the Hepatitis C virus, HIV-1 strain Mn and six common infectious bacteria, including drug-resistant MRSA^[2].

"The GAMMEX Non-Latex Antimicrobial surgical glove is another indication of our commitment to develop clinically relevant products in anticipation of healthcare workers' needs," said Anthony B. Lopez, President and General Business Manager, Ansell Medical Solutions. "Our relentless focus on innovation is evident in the new products and technologies we launch aimed at providing the utmost protection for healthcare workers and patients alike."

The GAMMEX brand is the global brand leader in surgical gloves, with more than 100 million pairs used annually in hospitals worldwide. The GAMMEX product range incorporates cutting-edge technologies to provide a wide range of advanced protection solutions for healthcare professionals. Today, Ansell takes this protection to a new level and sets a new standard for infection prevention in the global healthcare industry.

* Thomas S. Agarwal M. Mehta G. Intraoperative glove perforation-single versus double gloving in protection against skin contamination. Postgrad Med J. 2001;77:458-460.

^[1] GAMMEX® Non-Latex Antimicrobial gloves are not proven to protect against blood-borne infections where the skin is broken, cut or punctured.

^[2] Kill rates were achieved following five minutes of exposure.

^[3] The GAMMEX® Non-Latex Antimicrobial surgical glove is an investigational device not available for sale outside of Canada.

About Ansell

Ansell 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 10,000 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.

Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com  

Ansell Protected, HyFlex, GAMMEX, SKYN and ACTIVARMR are trademarks owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates.

® and ™ are owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates.

© 2012 Ansell Limited. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Ansell Healthcare