Ansell announced the launch of their new GAMMEX(R) Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology. The surgical glove incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial coating to provide an additional level of protection to surgical staff against viruses and bacteria, in the event of a breach during surgery.

The last decade has witnessed a rapid expansion of the medical gloves market globally. Major drivers for this growth are improving healthcare systems around the world and the increasing awareness by healthcare workers that gloves offer an effective protective barrier against contamination from bacteria and viruses. Ansell’s AMT Antimicrobial Technology reduces surgical staff risks of exposure to blood-borne pathogens through a higher level of protection.

Extensive in vitro laboratory testing showed that the antimicrobial coating killed (greater than) 99 per cent of Hepatitis C1 and 99 percent of HIV-1 (strain Mn) within 60 seconds of exposure through a simulated glove breach.

The glove also kills between 99.7% to 99.999% of 8 common healthcare infectious bacteria, comprising gram-positive, gram-negative, and drug-resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA, VRE) within 60 seconds from exposure.

This integrated technology glove features a unique inner coating, containing skin friendly agents and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), an effective antimicrobial agent commonly found in products such as antiseptics and mouthwash.