Special programmes

Globally, an estimated 170 million people (3% of the global population) are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to the latest assessments, over 40 million people are currently virally infected with HIV, and 350 million suffering from chronic HBV infection with hepatitis B.

Obviously, throughout their daily practice healthcare professionals are in contact with patients who are potentially virusccontaminated. Of all the viruses, hepatitis B and C, along with AIDS, cause the greatest concern and, as a result, healthcare professionals want to be certain they are using the best possible materials to prevent viral contamination. More and more, they question glove manufacturers about the level of protection provided by their products against bloodcborne viruses because viral penetration may, potentially, occur through any glove imperfections, such as pinholes.

In Europe, there is no regulation regarding viral penetration through medical gloves. The EN-455 Part I standard (‘Requirements and testing for freedom from holes’) merely requires the statistical testing of glove impermeability (AQL measurement). This testing is carried out through a static methodology involving water contact.

Europe apply the American standard ASTM F1671-07, which uses a standard methodology to test the resistance of protective clothing materials against penetration by bloodcborne pathogens and which utilises the Phi-X174 bacteriophage penetration as a test system. This testing methodology has its own limitations, as the standard itself describes: “…this test method does not simulate all the physical stress and pressures that might be exerted on protective clothing materials during use” and “The integrity of the protective barrier may also be compromised during use by such effects as flexing and abrasion.” Because of their commitment to improving safety for the healthcare practitioners, Ansell has decided to develop the AVPP programme.