No risk of Type I allergenic reactions: The Gammex® PF IsoDerm® surgical glove contains none of the natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins that could lead to allergic reactions in those with a Type I allergy, the most common type. The glove is also 100% guaranteed free of casein. Instead, Gammex® PF IsoDerm® gloves are manufactured from synthetic polyisoprene. Overcoming technological challenges, Ansell is able to use this synthetic material to provide users with the comfort and dexterity the Gammex® range is known for.

Minimised Type IV allergy risk: Ansell’s glove production, including extensive post-washing, is designed to reduce the potential of users to develop Type IV allergies. Moreover, the synthetic formulation contains no DPG (diphenylguanidine) accelerators.

Safety is assured through quality control before final packaging. Among the tight controls are visual inspection and water-leak testing according to AQL inspection procedures, including GL I AQL 1.0. This ensures a low risk of pinholes and high barrier protection, maximised by manufacturing Gammex® PF IsoDerm® gloves using a thicker dimension polyisoprene material.

Part of the Gammex® PF family, the new Gammex® PF IsoDerm® model offers the same welcome ergonomic features, such as an adhesive beaded cuff that prevents the cuff from rolling down and a micro-textured outer surface that ensures a secure grip. Its light green colour makes it easy to identify in a latex-free operating room environment. For double gloving, the new Gammex® PF IsoDerm® pairs well with the latex-free DermaPrene Ultra®. (A 1992 study showed that double-gloving by surgeons reduces the perforation rate of the inner glove by at least 70%.)

The Gammex® PF IsoDerm® glove is supple and comfortable with a latexlike fit and soft “touch and feel”. The polyurethane lining with hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements allows easy dry and damp hand donning and intra-operative changes. The glove surface is designed to support secure instrument handling without compromising good sensitivity.

A total of 55 end-user trials of Gammex® PF IsoDerm® gloves have been conducted all over Europe. Altogether the test groups comprised 58% surgeons, 35% nurses and 7% others. The subjects rated Gammex® PF IsoDerm® gloves according to such criteria as product features, comfort, donning properties and cuff roll-down. The Gammex® PF IsoDerm® glove was awarded an overall ranking of 8.6 out of 10. In fact 96% found the product equal to (39%) or better than (57%) the product currently being used.

• Healthcare workers: 3-11% • Operating room personnel: 8-10% • General population: <1% • Children with spina bifida 32-52%

For some time, researchers knew that isoprene was the building block for natural rubber, but it took nearly a century to arrive at a successful synthesis. Modern synthetic polyisoprene is designed to be similar to natural rubber in structure and properties. Other products based on synthetic polyisoprene are rubber bands, cut thread products, baby bottle nipples, and extruded hose.