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The most commonly used approach to healthcare facility disinfection prevention is spraying and wiping surfaces with bleach mixtures.

SPH Medical delivers N95 Masks to Hospitals
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Choosing an N95 Mask for Protection

by sphmedicaladmin

How To Tell If a N95 Mask Is Authentic and Why That’s Important

Health care workers, first responders and vulnerable members of the general public currently count on their face masks, providing them with the highest protection possible against coronavirus. There’s increasing evidence that suggests that a properly worn N95 mask is most effective at slowing the spread of Covid-19. Choosing an N95 Mask might not be as simple task as expected. Making sure you get a effective N95 mask as well as one that fits well can be a difficult experience.

Recently, the market for N95 masks has become saturated. The unfortunate aspect of all this is that many of the ones claiming to be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved aren’t. The flooding of the market with non-NIOSH N95 masks is putting our first responders, medical providers and the rest of us at increased risk of contracting coronavirus.

So, what is the latest information about how to tell if an N95 mask is authentic? What is an N95 mask’s surgical rating, and what might that tell us about its effectiveness in staving off coronavirus? How easy is it to find an authentic NIOSH N95 mask right now? We’ll tackle these questions below.

Signs of an Authentic NIOSH N95 Mask

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guide aimed at helping consumers determine if a model 9500-N95 mask is authentic. The CDC suggested that consumers pay close attention to the certification markings on these respirators and their design, including:

  • A correctly-spelled NIOSH acronym
  • An N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99 or P100 designation printed on it
  • It has a headband instead of ear loops

When choosing an N95 Mask for your child make sure to note if it is NIOSH-approved. If you find a mask claiming to be an N95 one that says it’s NIOSH-approved for kids, then the CDC notes that it’s not authentic. None of these respirators have been approved for children’s use. Also, none of the approved masks feature any decorative embellishments or fabric.

Are N95 Masks Surgical Grade?

N95 respirators that consumers, health care workers and first responders are eager to get their hands are most efficient at filtering out airborne pathogens due to their extremely close facial fit. There is a special surgical subclass of N95 masks (N95s) certified to protect health care workers against fluid related biohazards such as blood splatter. A surgical rated N95 mask should protect against both airborne pathogens and fluids when worn correctly.

How Challenging Is it To Find N95 and N95s Masks?

If you perform an online search, you’ll likely come across countless vendors claiming to offer N95 or N95s masks. However, only a small percentage of those offerings are likely for authentic or certified masks. However, you don’t have to worry about that when purchasing an N95 mask from SPH Medical. Why? You might ask. SPH Medical is an approved distributor for Makrite Industries, the leading global producer of N95 masks.

The company has been producing masks and face protection for nearly three decades and is known worldwide for its quality.  Choosing an N95 mask like the Makrite model 9500-N95 mask, make sure you know what sizes are available. The Makrite model 9500-N95 mask comes in both a small and universal size. And, if the Makrite 9500-N95 isn’t what you’re looking for, then you’ll be delighted to learn that we’re also an approved distributor for other safety products including Nitrile Exam Gloves. Currently the 3M 8210 N95 Respirators are available online at SPH Medical for immediate purchase.

Why Should You Work With an Authorized Makrite Distributor Like SPH Medical?

Prospective customers often ask us why they should buy their model 9500-N95 masks from an authorized distributor. It comes down to being able to track where your product comes from. We work directly with the manufacturer of the Makrite N95 mask instead of working with brokers or a middle man. This direct relationship ensures that you receive a genuine product that will provide you with the protection you expect.

Don’t put your health on the line by taking chances with buying an N95 respirator mask from just anyone. Buy it from an authorized distributor like us here at SPH Medical. We have inventory ready to ship to industrial and health care employees now.   We often get requests for 3M 1860 and 1870+ masks from our health care clients that have run out of supply.  If you’re in a similar situation please contact SPH Medical.

N95 Masks for sale at SPH Medical
CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Importance of N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

Importance of N95 Medical Masks for Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and General Public

The US authorities through the Center for Disease Control, CDC, have recommended using N95 medical masks to offer the highest level of protection against the quickly spreading omicron variant. Initially, the CDC had recommended that the N95 medical masks be used only by medical workers. Still, due to the surge in infections by the omicron variant, the CDC has reversed these guidelines and recommended the use of N95 masks for both fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated, especially in public places where the rates of transmission of the omicron variant are high. N95 masks differ from surgical masks in that they fit to form a tight seal against the face, and the user is required to pull air through the mask’s filter. Surgical masks are loosely fit, and the user pulls air through both sides of the gap. In addition, N95 masks are designed to keep out respiratory droplets and smaller aerosol particles. The importance of N95 Masks being worn is immeasurable. There are many N95 masks available on the market include a number of different Makrite models that are all NIOSH certified including the model 9500-N95, the Sekura-N95, Sekura-X, and of course the 3M 8210 N95 Respirator.

Why the CDC recommends N95 medical masks for healthcare workers and first responders

The US Food and Drug Administration agency pointed out that surgical masks effectively protect against droplets with large particles but not those transmitted through a cough or sneeze. Respirators such as N95 medical masks effectively protect against the transmission of the virus through cough or sneeze. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is attached to water and mucus; hence a tight-fitting N95 medical mask covering the nose and mouth will prevent anyone nearby from contracting the virus. For healthcare workers and first responders at the forefront of battling the new omicron variant, N95 medical masks will effectively help protect them from contracting the highly infectious variant. The Makrite model 9500-N95 is NIOSH Certified N95 medical mask popular among healthcare workers that offer protection and comfort. The Makrite model 9500-N95 also has a Surgical Rating, which is an essential item for frontline healthcare workers and first responders.

Why the CDC recommends the use of N95 medical masks for the general public

The new omicron variant is highly transmissible. While most people are getting vaccinated, the process is yet to be completed, and the authorities still advise the general public to mask whether fully vaccinated or otherwise. The CDC has insisted on the general public to mask consistently with a well-fitting medical mask covering the nose and mouth in areas where the transmission rates of the virus are substantial. The CDC recommends the N95 medical masks since they are tight-fitting and prevent droplets from coughs and sneezes from being transmitted from person to person. Masking is mandatory when using public transportation and in transportation hubs such as train stations and airports. N95 medical masks available on the market for the general public include Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Makrite 910-N95FMX.

Conclusion

N95 medical masks adequately protect the new highly transmissible omicron variant for frontline caregivers, first responders, and the general public. N95 medical masks are comfortable and fit perfectly, covering the mouth and nose while protecting any fluid from a cough or sneeze from entering. The N95 Mask will help protect frontline caregivers from contracting the new highly transmissible omicron variant. In addition, the general public can protect themselves and others from contracting the omicron COVID-19 variant by wearing the well-fitting N95 medical masks consistently in public areas where the transmission rates are likely to be high. The war against the pandemic is a collective responsibility, and consistently wearing effective medical masks such as the N95 Mask will significantly help in reducing transmissions, especially with the discovery of the highly transmissible omicron variant.

Contact SPH Medical today to request N95 masks and other Safety and Safe Patient Handling related products.

CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Ongoing Need for Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

During the pandemic, hospitals and medical professionals couldn’t access enough supplies to properly care for the huge flood of patients. Protective gear like N95 masks and nitrile exam gloves were in short supply, putting doctors, nurses and sick patients at higher risk. These essential supplies are still needed in greater quantities today with hospitals struggling to find enough to keep their staff safe as the pandemic continues.

N95 Masks

N95 masks are still needed in great quantities as prices skyrocket and hospitals struggle to procure enough. N95 respirators are used in a variety of settings from industrial jobs where workers are exposed to dust and air particulates to hospitals where disease and infections can be airborne. N95 masks are intended to be single-use respiratory protective devices to protect both the patient and the medical professional from transferring any particulates, fluids or organisms.N95 Masks for Hospitals Cities and Schools

N95 masks became essential during the pandemic as medical staff wore them to try to avoid the spread of coronavirus. As the pandemic raged, hospitals needed more and more, with some having to resort to repeatedly using their masks or even trash bags to stay safe as available protective gear dwindled. Today, the costs of N95 masks is still higher than it was before the pandemic, unlike other PPE. While the need for N95 has lessened since the middle of the pandemic, there is still a 1,300% increased use rate by medical providers due to the delta variant.

Conventional medical masks are known to have limited capabilities against the coronavirus, with N95 masks being capable of filtering up to 95% of particulates and materials. N95 market growth is expected to continue to rise as strict regulations are being passed for occupational safety in industrial positions as well as for a number of surgeries. There is a greater current need for cataract surgery and orthopedic surgery for which N95 masks are essential to avoid infection.

Tens of millions of surgeries are completed every year globally with about half being minimally invasive. Along with increased surgery rates, there is a driving need to avoid hospital-acquired infections, which continue to be a major concern. There are many aspects of the medical process that increase the chance of acquiring an infection, lowering the chance of a positive outcome and increasing comorbidities. N95 masks are essential in today’s medical environments to ensure all medical staff and patients have the best chance at both becoming and staying healthy.

Nitrile Exam Gloves

Another important personal protection item is nitrile exam gloves. These gloves are stronger than latex and are commonly used in examinations so they’re available in sterile and non-sterile forms. They provide greater chemical exposure protection and high personal barrier protection. Nitrile gloves were in high demand during the pandemic with national stockpiles in several countries depleting as it raged on.

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021

The United States is still on its way to restoring stockpiles and recently signed a production deal that will increase nitrile glove production by billions within the country. There are a number of benefits of using this type of glove in healthcare settings, which is driving the increasing market and need.

Nitrile is a commonly preferred type of material in both medical and industrial settings around the world. Latex-free and with up to three times the puncture resistance of standard latex gloves, these gloves provide maximum protection against a variety of potential infection situations. Infection control and increasing latex allergies are driving factors in the popularity of this type of glove. There is an increased awareness occurring in healthcare settings concerning infection and pandemic diseases like coronavirus and even swine flu.

Medical professionals and facilities want to provide their staff and patients with the best protective gear on the market. As the need for nitrile exam gloves rises to avoid spreading infection and disease, facilities and organizations struggle to procure enough to keep their organization safe. As government agencies struggle to make deals to increase their stockpiles, facilities, first responders and healthcare organizations are also struggling to ensure they can keep up with the delta variant and the increased occurrence of infectious patients still happening around the world today. While the high of the pandemic has passed for now, there are still high rates of coronavirus and other diseases that need to be handled professionally and safely.

Protective Gear; Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

Hospitals and other institutional healthcare facilities are still struggling to obtain enough protective gear like N95 masks and nitrile gloves. SPH Medical is a trusted supplier authorized to securely distribute these essential supplies to hospitals that desperately need them. Staying safe, protected and sterile during examinations and surgeries is essential to creating a safe space where patients can achieve their best health outcomes. Having the proper protective gear is important in maintaining the safety of both staff and patients.

SPH Medical Delivers Surgical N95 Respirators
CategoriesInfection Prevention

N95 Respirators for Healthcare

by sphmedicaladmin

The world has been in transition since the spread of the Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19. The year 2020 marked a shift in societal standards, behavior, interactions, and almost a total disruption in how the average person views infection prevention. Less than two years later, we are still being reminded by the CDC and healthcare leaders that mask use contributes to individual personal safety and offers significant defense against the spread of the virus. With the rise in Covid-19 delta variant infections and deaths resulting from the virus, the simple recommendation to wear a face mask has now become a recurring theme.  Additionally the need for healthcare facilities to use disposable N95 respirators surgical rated masks has continued to remain steady.  All of this demand has lured many entrepreneurs and start ups into the business of selling masks.

Healthcare facilities like to work with suppliers that they trust and tend to work with those companies that have a history of performance.  Understanding that patient care is their number one priority they choose their business partners carefully.

Rather than working with third party brokers and fly-by-night operations, the healthcare sector requires a legitimate source to establish a direct relationship for the supply of NIOSH Certified N95 of masks.

SPH Medical lifts the burden of determining legitimacy as they are an Authorized Distributor for Makrite.  Makrite is a global leader in mask manufacturing with more than 30 years of experience.  SPH Medical receives product directly from Makrite delivering multiple N95 Mask options to hospitals, industrial customers, and the rest of the world.

The increased use of N95 Masks in the healthcare sector and by the general public has increased the demand for improvements in comfort, fit, and performance.  Makrite is on the cutting edge of this trend and is actively working on research and development of new and improved models.  Makrite is listening to customers and getting direct feedback to continually improve their products.

The Future of N95s

The reliance on N95s for protection from airborne and aerosolized particle virus transmissions has gone up through Covid-19 waves.

Before the norm of wearing face masks, often only medical professionals would typically use a surgical rated N95 respirator.

Today, with the slow impact of vaccines, the surgical rated N95 respirators are a tool for personal security against infection.  In the future we see a variety of new Surgical rated N95 Respirators in the product development pipeline that will be available for Healthcare customers and the general public.

Unfortunately, the massive spike in demand for protection from the virus resulted in a shortage of masks throughout the world.  Manufacturers were caught off guard by this new global demand.  Raw material shortages and supply chain issues were additional factors that contributed to massive price increases for this essential personal protective equipment.  With the manufacturing and supply of NIOSH certified N95 Masks hanging delicately in the balance, the next big question could be: What is the future of N95s?

Despite safety in mind, comfort and effectiveness have surfaced as other equally important issues with face masks.

Having one on all day in a busy environment could keep you safe, but can we all bear it? Day by day, people loosen their needs for safety over the whelming desire for comfort and a break from everything.

Effectiveness has also come up in different ways. Materials used in the manufacture of various mask models could determine their effectiveness.

A mask’s design and layering could also determine its ideal use (some are too thin to capture virus-sized particles, while others, such as the N95s, are well-specialized).

Surgical Rating for an N95 Respirators

Medical professionals are among the frontline caregivers/responders. While various masks could serve optimal purposes, Makrite models of N95s have proven trustworthy and effective.

Every frontline responder deserves high-level protection from airborne and aerosolized particle virus transmissions.

Therefore, different mask types acquire certification standards for their uses; every country, with its own (the USA’s being N, thus the N95 Masks).

An N95’s surgical rating establishes a standard for its use among healthcare professionals and other frontline caregivers.

New Market Trends

The medical industry has undergone a paradigm shift in the new trends resulting from the Covid-19 virus. Before its spread in late 2019 and throughout 2020, there was no insistence or global demand for personal protective equipment, otherwise known as PPE.

The changes in this climate of virus prevention have led to unimaginable changes.

While many businesses have closed down, others have reaped some benefits from the looming fears and the societal inclination towards extensive protection and enhancements on safety measures.

The PPE industry, for instance, has witnessed an increased dependence on PPE for protection from infection.

One of the notable trends is the daily and global use of masks for non-medical use. Considering different mask types, the demand for more effective and comfortable models shoots higher by the day.

Along with non-medical use is the increased sensitivity of the medical environment; this has made masks necessary and mandatory at all times in such environments and when providing services.

The Makrite model 9500-N95 Respirator is a step up to surgical masks, providing comfort and efficiency. It leads the market in the infusion of NIOSH N95 Mask technology for reliable protection.

Other models increasing in popularity are the comfort fit Makrite Sekura-N95.  The Makrite Sekura-N95 was recently resubmitted to NIOSH for surgical approval and received approval under the new name Sekura-X.

The Makrite model 9500 N95 Respirators

The Makrite N95 Mask is certified and meets the N95 NIOSH standards.

Makrite mask users will enjoy protection from solid particles, among other substances, which may include but are not limited to iron ore, coal, minerals, and flour; their design and fabric also make them comfortable and effective in protection from Covid-19 airborne transmissions.

Today, the Makrite 9500-N95 and Makrite Sekura-N95 are industry leaders in the world of NIOSH certified N95 Masks.

Makrite’s Industry Experience

Makrite’s time in the industry has seen the development of a broad portfolio of protective masks that it delivers to countries across the globe.

The demand for more of the Makrite N95 Mask through the two years of Covid-19 infections and spread has resulted in improved models suitable for medical environments and for general, non-medical uses.

The Importance of an Authorized Distributor Like SPH Medical

The demand for personal protective equipment became a reality as the Covid-19 pandemic began and and this disease continues to impact the way we go about our daily lives.  N95 respirators are crucial for maximum personal protection.

Acquiring them for a healthcare institution or large numbers of individuals who require protection demands trust and authenticity.

Healthcare products that provide protection such as N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves are critical for all healthcare workers. Therefore, authorized distributors of healthcare products, such as these, and including Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves, must have a history of performance.  SPH Medical has an unmatched track record of supplying hospitals and healthcare systems with essential Safe Patient Handling solutions and safety supplies.  SPH Medical is an authorized distributor of N95 respirators and Nitrile Exam Gloves.

The value of working with SPH Medical is the direct access to distribution of masks and essential supplies without the need for a third party.  Thirty years of manufacturing experience puts Makrite ahead of other manufacturers with demonstrated quality and reliability.

SPH Medical Chemo Tested Gloves Protect Nurses
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

When given to people, cancer related chemotherapeutic medications can cause mutagenesis, teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, and sterility. The danger varies depending on the substance and its concentration, as well as exposure frequency and duration. As a result, concerns have been raised about the possible dangers to those who work with chemotherapy. Additionally, public health threats coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and revolutions in the medical industry have expanded the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). According to studies, taking precautions when handling chemotherapy or any other public health threat lowers staff exposure and danger. As new PPE rules for handling chemotherapy drugs are introduced, a chemotherapy glove that adequately protects healthcare practitioners while also making double-gloving compliance simple is essential. COVID-19 protocols have heightened the essential need for the Chemo tested Nitrile exam gloves.

What Raw Material Is Used in Making Surgical Gloves Today?

Reusable surgical gloves were once the most popular in the medical field. Handwashing is equated to the efficiency of reusable gloves in reducing pathogen spread. In the 1800s, surgeons’ hygienic standards were of poor quality. The use of harsh chemicals to disinfect medical instruments, on the other hand, produced a demand for a tough raw material in the surgical glove sector. Rubber sourced from Malaysia was chosen as the best material since it does not become abrasive when exposed to strong liquids. While demand was high at the time, it skyrocketed when the AIDS crisis struck. Rubber, however, could induce sensitivities and allergic reactions, necessitating the development of an alternative.

Nitrile is a replica of rubber used in the manufacture of medical gloves. Ketones, amides, aldehydes, and halogenoalkanes are used to make this synthetic substance. The Nitrile Exam Glove is made from acrylonitrile and butadiene compounds. When manufacturing gloves, flexibility, comfort, puncture resistance, and form-fitting must all be considered.

What Is Chemotherapy Drug Testing, and Why Is It Important?

The use of personal protective equipment, particularly protective medical gloves, is a must to avoid skin contact. Additionally, during their work, emergency responders are likely to touch with a variety of illegal narcotics. Cocaine, methamphetamines, cannabinoids, cathinones, and opioids like fentanyl and heroin are just some of the illicit chemicals found in these mixes. Illicit drug use has the potential to cause harm. Although they may not know the components of illicit drug mixes, emergency responders can learn about safe operating procedures and the right use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to situations involving illicit substances as recommended by the FDA.

The importance of selecting the right gloves cannot be overstated. It is critical to establish basic guidelines for selecting appropriate materials and defining quality requirements in the oncology environment for the best protection. These tips can help with better handling and minimize potential risks and long-term consequences. There are no formal regulations or test techniques in Europe for medical gloves used in oncology. It would be beneficial to establish universal criteria for gloves used when handling chemotherapeutic medications. However, in the United States, medical gloves used to handle chemotherapy medications must meet ASTM International (American Society of Testing and Materials) standard D 6978-05 criteria.

How Is the Demand for Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves?

Doomsday headlines predicted a shortage of ventilators for critically ill patients in the early months of the Covid-19 outbreak. As borders soon closed, states hurried to find masks and gowns, sparking a bidding war for personal protective equipment. Domestic manufacture eventually came to the rescue, producing everything from respirators to face shields. However, as the pandemic enters its second year, one item remains in low supply: medical gloves.

Hospitals favor nitrile gloves because of their hypoallergenic and chemical-resistant characteristics, but they are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to find at any price. The national stockpile in the United States reported in December that just 72 million gloves were on hand out of a target of 4.5 billion, forcing individual states to navigate a wild market riddled with shadowy intermediaries and black-market brokers, some of whom were obvious frauds. Prices have risen dramatically due to the increased demand: According to Singapore-based Persistence Market Research, a package of 100 nitrile gloves can now cost up to $32, up from roughly $3 pre-pandemic.

Despite the COVID-19 dilemma, the global market for Medical Gloves is expected to increase at a CAGR of 12.4 percent from 2020 to 2027, from a projected $30.9 billion in 2020 to a revised US$70 billion by 2027. Examination Gloves, one of the sectors examined in the Research and Markets, is expected to grow at an 11.2 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and reach US$42.3 billion by the conclusion of the analysis period. After an early assessment of the pandemic’s commercial effects and the resulting economic crisis, the Surgical Gloves segment’s growth is revised to a revised 14.4% CAGR for the next seven years.

Choosing a recognized supplier helps you avoid substandard gloves. SPH Medical specializes in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment. SPH Medical is delivering Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Glove and is a trusted supplier by hospitals nationwide.

Citations:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.29058
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-medical-gloves-market-report-2021-malaysia-is-the-dominant-producer—us-market-is-estimated-at-10-4-billion-while-china-is-forecast-to-grow-at-14-6-cagr-301334928.html

Nitrile Exam Gloves Protect Doctors and Nurses
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Nitrile Examination Gloves from Malaysia

by sphmedicaladmin

Nitrile Examination Gloves from Malaysia are in high demand at the moment.  If you work in the food service, beauty, chemical, automotive or health care industry, you likely protect your hands with nitrile gloves. Recent threats to public health, including but not limited to Covid-19, and changes in the medical field have given the exam glove industry a healthy boost.

History of Nitrile Gloves

When doctors began wearing surgical gloves, they reused the same pair. Donning gloves protected the wearer from external pathogens. But reusable gloves are essentially as effective as hand-washing for preventing transmission of germs to others.

Before the 1800s, germ transmission and infection were responsible for a 50-percent mortality rate in surgery patients. Surgeons didn’t always have good hygiene practices. Throughout the 1800s, medical professionals started to use harsh substances to disinfect medical instruments. When these chemicals caused a skin reaction in a Johns Hopkins nurse, Dr. William Halstead collaborated with Goodyear to develop rubber gloves for her.

At the same time, Malaysia was capitalizing on one of its natural resources. The first rubber plantations in the country began to pop up in 1896.

Wearing protective examination gloves became commonplace by the early 1900s. The first disposable examination gloves were made from latex, a type of rubber that comes from a tree that grows well in the Malaysian climate.

Then, the AIDS epidemic hit. The demand for medical examination gloves soared based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaysian manufacturers churned out examination gloves.

With so many people using latex gloves, however, the world began to realize that the material could cause sensitivities and allergic reactions in people who came in contact with it. Attempts to replicate natural rubber had been rampant since World War II. Nitrile was first created in 1930, but it wasn’t used for gloves until the 1990s.

Entrepreneurs in Malaysia and other parts of Asia renewed their interest in manufacturing gloves. This time, they made the products from nitrile.

Today, about 75% of the medical gloves on the market come from Malaysian manufacturers.

Raw Materials

Although most people refer to nitrile as rubber, it doesn’t come from a natural source. It is a synthetic material that is formed from amides, aldehydes, ketones and halogenoalkanes. To be effective, nitrile gloves must be flexible, form-fitting, comfortable and puncture-resistant.

The following two compounds are bonded together to make nitrile gloves:

  • Acrylonitrile – A monomer that is created by the ammoxidation of propylene
  • Butadiene – A non-corrosive gas and byproduct of the production of propylene and ethylene

Quality and Benefits of Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves must follow specific quality standards to provide adequate healthcare worker protection. The material is inherently resistant to damage from many noxious chemicals, which makes it ideal for various industries. But it won’t keep users safe if certain quality standards aren’t followed.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration regulates this class I medical device. The gloves must adhere to strict standards regarding the following:

  • Holes
  • Freedom from powder
  • Degree of sterility
  • Tensile strength
  • Ultimate elongation
  • Physical qualities after aging
  • Biocompatibility

Medical gloves have different regulations than all-purpose gloves. They must undergo rigorous testing and require:

  • FDA 510K approval
  • Registration and listing with the FDA

The FDA controls the marketing for this product too. Vague labeling claims are restricted. Only gloves that have the word “examination” on the packaging may be used in the medical field.

Other categories that have labeling or regulatory requirements include:

  • Dental examination or dental surgeon’s gloves – May include the word “dental,” but must include the word “examination”
  • Chemotherapy gloves – Are tested for penetration and permeation from chemotherapy drugs
  • Microsurgery gloves – May have decreased thickness in particular areas but cannot be thinner than the FDA standard
  • Orthopedic surgery gloves – Label must declare the measured thickness
  • Radiation attenuating gloves – Must meet requirements for surgeon’s glove as well as data backing x-ray reducing claims
    Other requirements safeguard the security of nitrile exam gloves. Expiration dates and lot numbers on the label allow consumers to ensure that they’re using safe products.

Today’s Malaysian Nitrile Examination Gloves Production and Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the nitrile glove industry in Malaysia and beyond. An initial shortage caused concern among healthcare workers and the public. When the U.S. banned imports of disposable nitrile gloves from certain companies due to forced labor and other labor compliance concerns, some manufacturers claim to have changed their policies.

Amid these allegations, new players are entering the glove game in Malaysia. Property developers are partnering with manufacturers to enter the growing industry. These projects will create new job opportunities for Malaysian residents even though most of the gloves are exported outside of the country’s borders.

Some other factors impacting demand include:

  • Population growth
  • A larger aging population
  • Rapid industrialization of developing countries
  • Growth of the healthcare industry
  • Increasing rates of disease
  • Enhanced healthcare and hygiene education

Market fragmentation is driving competition. But merger, acquisition and partnership strategies are helping key players, such as Top Glove Corporation Bhd, Ansell Ltd. and Hartalega Holdings Berhad, stay in the game and others to enter.

Malaysian exports of nitrile examination grade gloves grew by 51.9 percent in 2020. Moreover, the Asia Pacific consumer market is growing in this category as the development of medical facilities increases. Researchers predict that the nitrile glove market will reach $9.41 billion by 2027.

As a US supplier to hospitals and healthcare facilities SPH Medical is a trusted source for Nitrile Examination gloves from Malaysia.  SPH Medical delivers gloves directly to hospitals including the Chemotherapy Drug and Fentanyl Citrate Tested Nitrile Exam Glove from Hartalega which has been adopted by many leading health systems.  Contact SPH Medical to learn more or to request a quote for your facility.

N95 Masks for Maximum Protection
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Cal OSHA New ETS for N95 Respirators

by sphmedicaladmin

On June 17th, Cal OSHA issued an updated COVID-19 Prevention ETS (Emergency Temporary Standards) requiring employers in California to provide N95 Masks for employees that are unvaccinated. The following topics are discussed in the updated ETS. As a result of the updated ETS we are seeing an immediate increase in demand for NIOSH Approved N95 Respirators.

Summary of June 17th ETS.

  • Physical Distancing – This is being phased out along with barriers.
  • N95 Respirators for employees – Employer must provide access to N95 mask for unvaccinated employees
  • Face Coverings – Face Coverings are still required for unvaccinated employees
  • Vaccines – Employers must document vaccination status of employees
  • Testing – Must be offered at no charge to Employees
  • Outbreaks – More protective measures will be required if an Outbreak occurs
  • Enforcement – Employers should implement the June 17th ETS as soon as possible to avoid being cited

Here are the highlights of the ETS as it relates to N95 Respirators:

Q:  Is an employer’s obligated to provide respirators and to whom?

A:   The bottom line is that there are two scenarios that an employer needs to be prepared for:  (1) An Employer must provide an N95 respirator to any unvaccinated employee who works with others indoors or in a vehicle and who requests one and (2)  If there is a major outbreak the employer must provide an N95 to any employees in the exposed group for voluntary use.  The employer must provide a respirator that is the right size and fit for the employee and they must provide basic instruction on how to get a good fit or seal around their face.

Q:  Does an Employer have to provide N95 respirators “upon request”?

A:  An employer must be able to provide the respirator upon request.  The employer can wither keep the N95 masks in stock or they can take a poll of all their employees to determine which employees will need an N95 respirator before they purchase them.  Once the employer has determined that it has employees that wish to wear respirators it should make sure that it has enough quantity of masks that fit properly for this group of employees and also consider that respirators will have to be replaced if soiled, broken or contaminated.  Employers can also allow employees to purchase their own mask and reimburse the employee.

If an unvaccinated employee asks for an N95 mask at any time, the employer is obligated to provide one.

If there is a major outbreak the employer must offer N95 respirators to all employees whether they have been vaccinated or not.

Q. How soon does a respirator need to be provided after an employee requests it?

A. According to the new ETS employers should estimate their needs immediately and order the required NIOSH Approved N95 respirators to provide to unvaccinated employees as soon as possible.

Healthcare Workers Also Continue to Depend on N95 Masks

While the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming less severe as case counts drop steadily and larger percentages of people become vaccinated from the coronavirus, healthcare workers are still in need of protective equipment to prevent a COVID-19 infection, especially since variants of this virus are spreading worldwide. As such, the NIOSH N95 mask is essential for hospital workers over the coming months.

While there was a severe shortage of health grade N95 masks in the past, now that fewer people in the outside world need to mask up, hospital workers are seeing a more steady stream of the N95 mask in their supplies. This means nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers will not need to worry about infection risk as much since they won’t need to re-use these supplies.

Who are the hospital workers that are in greatest need of the NIOSH approved N95 respirator? Keep reading to find out.

Hospital Workers are also in Need of This Mask

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surgical N95 respirators are meant only for healthcare personnel who need to be protected from airborne and fluid risks such as splashes and sprays. If N95 respirator masks are not available for use, a face shield can be used instead.

Therefore, any healthcare workers, such as surgeons, physicians, or nurses, who perform procedures on patients that involve transfer of body fluids, particulate matter, and microorganisms need to use N95 respirators, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

What Different Styles of Masks are in Use Today?

There are several different styles of masks that medical workers use today, such as the cup style mask, a mask with a vertical fold, and a duckbill mask. There are N95 masks in the shape of a cup style, which involves a cone shape.

A vertical fold mask has vertical pleats and can be sewn together by an average stitcher using standard fabric that can be bought at a Michaels store. An N95 duckbill mask poofs out at the front and looks similar to a duckbill.

What is a Surgical Rating for an N95?

NIOSH approves surgical N95 respirators for use as a standard N95 respirator while in the past the FDA approved the respirator as a surgical mask.  Recently NIOSH has updated their surgical respirator approval to a more streamlined process. Research has shown that N95 respirator masks have much lower penetration levels of particles in the air when compared to the blue style 3 ply surgical mask.

Having a proper fit across the face, as determined by a fit test, makes a major difference in keeping air particles from infecting the mask wearer.

Who are the Key Manufacturers in this Space?

Some of the top manufacturers of protective equipment and face masks include:

    • Makrite
    • 3M
    • Honeywell
    • Kimberley-Clark Corporation

SPH Medical is a trusted source for N95 respirators and is a global distributor for Makrite Industries.

The Healthcare Facilities Using N95 Masks

In addition to Hospitals, some other types of healthcare facilities that use N95 respirators that you may not be aware of include long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living centers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In particular, healthcare workers who are in contact with a long-term care resident who is suspected or found to have COVID-19 should wear N95 respirators or a higher-level face mask.

New Market Trends

The market trends for N95 respirators positioned the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45.1% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report from Grand View Research. The COVID-19 pandemic along with other infectious diseases led to a significant growth in demand for N95 respirators. North America took up a 32.3 percent share of global revenue in 2019.

Despite the decline in COVID-19 cases, the growth in demand for N95 respirators means there is still a global shortage of protective equipment and these masks, according to the FDA. To mitigate these continual shortages, the US government is taking action such as providing more information about alternative options for protective gear.

US manufacturers have been investing millions of dollars into rebuilding the stockpiles of such protective equipment including masks, isolation gowns, and more. International manufacturing has also played a major role in overcoming these shortages.

The future of the healthcare industry will depend upon N95 respirators and other protective equipment while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the globe.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/checklist-n95-strategy.html

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/respiratory-protection-covid19-long-term-care.pdf

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/n95-mask-market#:~:text=The%20global%20N95%20mask%20market%20size%20was%20estimated%20at%20USD,USD%206.39%20billion%20in%202020.&text=The%20N95%20mask%20market%20is,USD%2021.57%20billion%20by%202027.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/medical-device-shortages-during-covid-19-public-health-emergency

 

 

 

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Evaluating the Quality of Nitrile Exam Gloves for Hospitals

by sphmedicaladmin

Nitrile Exam Gloves for Hospitals

Most of the world was unprepared for a pandemic like COVID-19. The contagion caused many supply chain issues including a shortage of medical supplies like gloves, N95 masks and, isolation gowns. With the need for these supplies continuing, some scammers are attempting to profit by manufacturing fake or low quality gloves with fake packaging. It’s important for value analysis and purchasing departments to avoid buying them. Not only are they a financial loss, but they could also put hospital staff and patients at risk. Here’s how to evaluate the quality of nitrile exam gloves for hospitals.

What You Need to Know About FDA 510K Approval

The FDA requires some medical device manufacturers to register with them when they plan to advertise a medical device. Under section 510K, these companies must notify the FDA of their marketing agenda at least 90 days before they intend to implement it.

This alert is called Premarket Notification. The FDA requires this step to determine if the product is equal to a device that’s already in one of the government agency’s three classification sections. That way, the FDA can identify medical devices properly.

For medical examination gloves the FDA approves the glove with a product code to confirm the approval for the intended use.  LZA is the product code issued to Nitrile Examination gloves to confirm that the gloves are intended for medical purposes and are worn on the examiner’s hands or fingers to prevent contamination between patient and examiner.  Other important product approval codes are OPJ which is for Medical Gloves with Chemotherapy Labeling Claims, and QDO which is an approval for Fentanyl and other Opioid Protection Gloves.  The FDA includes in their 510K approval letter all of the associated testing that was submitted for review by the manufacturer to achieve the respective product code.

Look for ASTM D6319 TestingGlove manufacturers are required to provide testing that meets ASTM standards.  ASTM International is a nonprofit global standards organization that develops and distributes technical standards for a variety of products including medical equipment. Companies that produce their products according to ASTM D6319 standards are able to offer their customers the assurance that they are selling Examination grade gloves that are manufactured for medical use.

When gloves meet the ASTM D6319 standard, they are powder free, thicker than disposable gloves designed for other purposes and include a higher tensile strength level.

The ASTM testing standards for chemo tested nitrile exam gloves consists of checking the material’s strength and flexibility. The organization’s tests are designed to make sure that an examination glove is unlikely to tear or fail and provides the proper amount of stretch.

When a powder free examination glove box confirms that its contents have been ASTM tested, then the gloves have undergone an accelerated aging process that involves heat. This test is designed to assess how well the gloves will work toward the end of their shelf life, giving you peace of mind that they will continue to provide protection until they are expired.

Check for ASTM Chemotherapy Drug Testing Standards

Since chemotherapy agents are extremely toxic, it’s important for healthcare employees to handle them wearing examination gloves that have been tested for saturation using the ASTM’s more vigorous D6978 standard instead of the guidelines used for other chemicals.

The chemotherapy drug testing standards require companies to test the gloves for up to four hours. The permeation test measures the time that it takes certain chemicals to make their way through the material of the latex free glove. For a glove to be considered safe for chemotherapy drugs, the tests must take place at particular temperatures too.

Understand the Ins and Outs of Factory Standards

ASTM standards include AQL testing, or Acceptable Quality Level.  For example ASTM D6319-10 includes an AQL of 2.5%. Before buying gloves from any company, make sure that you know how they test their products. Check the label for Acceptance Quality Limit, or AQL, testing. The definition of AQL testing is a “quality level that is the worst tolerable.” It refers to the highest number of faulty products allowed in a batch before that batch is discarded. For instance, if a label states that the AQL is 1.5%, then this means that the glove batch cannot contain more than 1.5% faulty items in the order.  Of course ASTM standards are set at an AQL of 2.5%, but some factories have an AQL of 1.5% which means they have stricter quality control levels.

Factory Testing of Nitrile Exam Gloves

Since the development of COVID-19 has caused a shortage of the raw materials needed to make nitrile examination gloves, defrauders have appeared on the scene to take advantage of hospitals and steal their money. When you buy quality tested nitrile exam gloves, your facility will be stocked with powder free gloves that are also latex free. To avoid becoming victim to a scam, watch for suspicious activity like uncommon payment requirements, sudden price increases and unexpected bulk supplies.

Read the Information that is Printed on the Medical Glove Box

The label printed on the glove box is important. It should include a list of tests that the manufacturer performed to confirm the quality of the gloves and their safety. When you purchase examination gloves, make sure that the boxes are labeled with information like:

  • Patient examination glove or surgeon’s glove
  • Tested for permeation resistance to chemotherapy drugs according to ASTM D6978-05
  • What chemotherapy drugs the gloves have been tested against
  • Chemical resistance data

The label should also show you the number of chemotherapy drugs that the gloves were tested against and the amount of drugs used during testing.

Label information is important because it allows you to confirm that you have exam gloves that are manufactured to provide the proper protection for your healthcare staff.

Keep in mind that packaging is simple for manufacturers to produce, making it the easiest thing to fake. If you run into a scammer, the box may falsely state that tests and standards have taken place when they haven’t. To keep your hospital staff protected, request third-party testing documents from your supplier. That way, you can confirm that you’re purchasing quality nitrile exam gloves.

Keeping Hospitals Stocked with Chemo Tested Nitrile Exam Gloves

Currently, the cost for raw materials to manufacture medical gloves has shot up quickly due to a lack of supplies and more demand because of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, SPH Medical is working tirelessly to provide consistent glove supplies to its hospital clients.

Sources:

1. https://webstore.ansi.org/sdo/astm
2. https://hourglass-intl.com/glove-testing-demystified-tensile-strength-and-ultimate-elongation/
3. https://www.pppmag.com/article/1623/January_2015/Are_Gloves_and_Gowns_Safe_for_Handling_Chemotherapy/#:~:text=ASTM%20standard%20D6978%20is%20specific,care%20workers%20handle%20chemotherapy%20drugs.
4. https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-warns-health-care-professionals-of-increased-potential-for-fraudulent-sales-of-covid-19-related-medical-equipment
5. FDA Product classification codes for Medical Gloves  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?start_search=1&Submission_Type_ID=&DeviceName=&ProductCode=&DeviceClass=1&ThirdParty=&Panel=&RegulationNumber=880.6250&Implant_Flag=&Life_Sustain_Support_Flag=&PAGENUM=500&sortcolumn=DeviceNameDESC

CategoriesInfection Prevention

The Importance of Chemotherapy Testing for Nitrile Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

Chemotherapy Testing for Nitrile Gloves

In today’s current environment of infections and pathogens we are more increasingly concerned about Chemotherapy Testing for Nitrile Gloves. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization confirms that cancer rates are increasing around the world due to people living longer. Most cases of cancer happen to people who are older. Also, researchers believe that smoking tobacco and unhealthy eating habits are likely to result in more lung and gastrointestinal cancers throughout the world. This means that more people will need cancer treatment.

Why Is It Important to Test the Effectiveness of Nitrile Gloves Against Chemotherapy Drugs?

Universal precautions requiring the use of disposable gloves have been in place for years. These precautions were established to prevent death from HIV contamination during the ‘80s and ‘90s as well as from other dangerous chemicals. Until the 1990s, disposable gloves were manufactured mainly from rubber. Unfortunately, in 1996, Karen Wetterhahn, who was a scientist, died from mercury poisoning after the chemical seeped through her gloves during an experiment.

After news of Wetterhahn’s death traveled through the science community, researchers recommended the use of plastic-laminated gloves instead. Advancements in technology brought about latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves. Many health providers choose gloves made from nitrile because the material is highly resistant against chemicals. This makes them best for medical facilities that use chemotherapy drugs. To keep healthcare staff safe, it’s important to test the effectiveness of gloves made from nitrile against chemotherapy drugs.

It’s important for healthcare workers to know whether the gloves that they’re using will protect them against all types of chemotherapy drugs. To check, review the chemical infiltration label listed on the package. Make sure that your gloves feature the most recent standard provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials or ASTM. The current code is D6978-05.

What You Need to Know About Fentanyl Citrate

Fentanyl is an artificial opioid used by cancer patients to manage their pain. It comes in tablet or patch form. The drug, Fentanyl Citrate is 50 times stronger than heroin and an estimated 100 times more powerful than morphine. In fact, just 2mg of the opioid is strong enough to cause death, which is why it’s important to use disposable gloves that will protect you from this powerful drug when working with cancer patients.

Recommendations for Proper Glove Use

Experts recommend wearing two pairs of gloves that have been tested against chemotherapy drugs anytime you’re participating in activities involving hazardous drugs. You should also change your gloves every 30 minutes or right away if the gloves become damaged or if you know that they’ve been contaminated. This is why medical facilities need so many boxes of gloves.

Wear disposable gloves that are free of powder and made from nitrile, latex or neoprene. Also, make sure that the cuff of the glove is long enough to cover your gown sleeves. Glove thickness depends on the material of the gloves. If you’re doing chemotherapy preparation, then make sure that your exterior glove is a sterile one.

You should wear two sets of gloves when disposing of hazardous drugs, cleaning up spills and for routine cleaning.

How Does Glove Testing Offer Protection?

Chemotherapy drug testing offers protection because you’ll know what chemicals your gloves will protect you from. When testing is complete, the third-party testing company will print chemotherapy drug information on the glove packaging including which drugs the gloves were tested against. The label will also show you what level of protection the gloves provide. To make it easy to determine what your gloves provide protection against, companies may add pictograms to the glove boxes.

If you didn’t have access to this detailed information, then you might accidentally choose a set of gloves that are not designed to protect you from the drugs that you’re giving to patients.

Glove Testing Requirements

The European Council Directive provides legal coverage for medical gloves. Along with this, the European Standard outlines exact requirements when it comes to labeling, glove shelf life and disclosure information. Quality testing methods are developed to check the physical properties of these kinds of gloves. This includes their strength levels and dimensions.

Testing involves checking for macroscopic material flaws. There is also a standard to test gloves against chemicals and microorganisms. Gloves that receive certification based on each standard offer a higher level of protection for the wearer.

Standard test methods to determine the protective properties of gloves include checking glove permeation as well as penetration levels. Penetration indicates whether a chemical can make its way through pores or macroscopic holes while permeation determines if chemicals can move through the glove. Testing must be done over a certain amount of time.

Maintaining Safety Standards

Third-party testing labs check nitrile exam gloves against drugs to confirm that they are safe for both patients and medical professionals. Gloves made from nitrile are in short supply but SPH Medical is delivering continuous supply to hospitals and provides the highest quality nitrile exam gloves with chemotherapy drug and fentanyl citrate testing.

Sources:

  1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.29058
  2. https://www.ons.org/sites/default/files/PPE%20Use%20With%20Hazardous%20Drugs.pdf
  3. https://www.soscleanroom.com/blog/the-history-of-disposable-gloves/
  4. https://lowderma.com/pdf/Fentanyl-2019.pdf
  5. https://es.halyardhealth.com/media/1409/kchc-evaluating-chemotherapy-protection-new-version.pdf
SPH Medical delivers Nitrile Exam Gloves
CategoriesInfection Prevention

The History of Nitrile Exam Gloves for Nursing Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

Nitrile Exam Gloves for Nursing Safety

Disposable gloves are the unsung heroes of healthcare products. They were developed because of a longtime need for the medical industry to implement cleaner standards and offer protection for those who provide healthcare services. Here’s the history and evolution of disposable gloves and how nitrile exam gloves became a necessity for the healthcare industry.

A Start with Johns Hopkins Hospital

Johns Hopkins Hospital opened in May 1889, and one of its founding members was Dr. William Stewart Halstead, a medical professional who is known for many important achievements in the medical community. For instance, he developed new surgical techniques for repairing hernias and removing gallstones. Dr. Halstead was also known for being a precise surgeon, one who believed in cleanliness. According to historical research, Halstead created the first surgical glove.

Dr. Halstead married a nurse named Caroline Hampton. She told him that she developed a rash after handling surgical chemicals. Dr. Halstead contacted the Goodyear Rubber Company, and they manufactured a set of rubber gloves for Caroline. She loved them so much that the couple requested more. Soon, Dr. Halstead’s surgical staff began wearing them when performing operations. At the time, his team used them because they increased their dexterity. They were not aware of how the gloves prevented the transfer of germs.

Before disposable gloves, patients who underwent surgery had a 50% mortality rate. Many of these deaths occurred because of germs being transferred from the doctor to the patient. Once the medical community made the connection, doctors began wearing disposable gloves more often. It didn’t take long for hospitals to make wearing them a requirement.

Material Advancements

Until the ‘90s, disposable gloves were typically manufactured from rubber. However, researchers found that rubber latex was unable to block some chemicals from connecting with the wearer’s skin. In 1996, Karen Wetterhahn, a researcher, died after mercury came into contact with her skin.

Later, it was determined that her gloves weren’t thick enough to protect her from the mercury. This incident encouraged researchers to recommend the use of plastic-laminated rubber gloves instead of latex during scientific experiments. Since then, the science and medical community has made material advancements.

Today, disposable gloves are made from materials like:

  • Latex
  • Nitrile
  • Vinyl
  • Neoprene
  • Polyethylene

Nitrile gloves are a popular choice because the material is highly resistant to chemicals. Manufacturers can develop it into a soft film, making them comfortable to wear. The material is exceptionally clean and free of accelerators. These features make nitrile gloves perfect for cleanrooms. Chemo tested nitrile exam gloves protect both the wearer and the patient.

History of Nitrile

Best Manufacturing, which is now Showa Best, developed the technology for nitrile gloves about 15 years ago. Once people discovered how useful the material was, Ansell brought out different glove products such as blue nitrile and purple nitrile gloves. Gloves made from nitrile are not a competing product against latex gloves. Instead, they are produced for people who are working with dangerous chemicals or have an allergy to latex.

Nitrile Exam Gloves Shortage

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a shortage of personal protection equipment, or PPE, like surgical gowns and gloves. Since nitrile gloves are hypoallergenic and capable of resisting chemicals, hospitals prefer them for their medical staff. At the moment, these gloves are tough to get and increasingly expensive.

According to reports, the national stockpile of them in the United States is just 72 million gloves compared to the target amount of 4.5 billion. The shortage is causing states to make their way through an intense medical equipment market filled with shady middlemen and black-market dealers. Fraud is occurring at a rapid pace and the cost of gloves is skyrocketing.

Estimates show that one box of gloves costs around $32. This is a massive increase from what medical facilities were paying before the pandemic arrived. The demand has minted a few more billionaires and centimillionaires.

Market analysts are confirming that the global demand for nitrile gloves has almost doubled in just a few months. In 2019, the demand was an estimated 300 billion while in August of 2020, the demand grew to almost 585 billion.

Glove manufacturers can only develop about 370 billion gloves each year. After determining the enhanced need for gloves, companies have been working to increase production. The production increase will allow companies to make around 50 billion more of them, but this still leaves the medical community short. Also, while the United States appears to be getting the virus under control, it is raging in countries like India.

Even after the pandemic subsides around the world, manufacturers believe that the demand for nitrile gloves will increase. The reason for this is that now people know about their protective properties.

Protective Equipment that the Healthcare Industry Needs

SPH Medical works with manufacturers to provide Nitrile Examination Gloves to hospitals and healthcare facilities around the world. We want to keep healthcare workers everywhere comfortable and safe.

Sources:

  1. https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/the-nurse-who-introduced-gloves-to-the-operating-room
  2. https://www.hsimagazine.com/article/the-development-of-nitrile-gloves-144/
  3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2021/02/11/billionaires-making-boatloads-of-money-from-once-cheap-medical-gloves/?sh=110d3cec661c
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