Infection Control Today - 05/2003: TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

DuPont

DuPontMedical Fabrics introduces DuPont Suprel, a unique fabric borne from arevolutionary composite technology that provides an advanced level of comfortand protection for OR gowns. DuPont scientists tapped the strength of polyesterand the texture of polyethylene to create a bi-component fabric that not onlymeets high standards for protection but also features the industry's smoothestand silkiest fabric texture, enabling freedom of movement and comfort in the OR.Suprel is the only medical fabric made from polyester and polyethylene and theonly one manufactured using the proprietary DuPont Nonwovens Advanced CompositeTechnology (ACT). Suprel is expected to be available for commercial distributionlater in the second half of 2003; meanwhile, DuPont will stage in-hospital trialevaluations for facilities that request it by calling (888) 383-6887.

Personna Medical

ThePersonnaPlus Safety Scalpel System, which meets OSHA requirements for healthcareworker safety, uses a cartridge system featuring a clear plastic sheath thatguards the user from the surgical blade when inserting it into the handle. Aninnovative safety tab that must be broken before the blade can be used providesadded protection against accidental injury during installation or handling. Onceinstalled, the scalpel system's thumb notch ensures easy manipulation, and itssimple disposable cartridge further reduces the risk of injury. The systemincorporates the PersonnaPlus MicroCoated blade that creates less drag and isavailable in a wide range of blade sizes and handles. The system was testedextensively in a dozen U.S. hospitals and received a 92 percent functionalityrating from doctors and nurses. (800) 224-4230 or www.asrco.com/medical

Greiner

GreinerBio-One Vacuette North America has added two new sizes and expanded productionof its Safety Blood Collection Set. The new 23-gauge needle with 8-inch tubingand the new 25-gauge needle with 12-inch tubing are now available. The VacuetteSafety Blood Collection Set is a single-use, sterile, winged blood collectionsafety needle bonded to a flexible "low memory" tubing that isdesigned to prevent coiling and facilitates disposal. The winged needle isdesigned with a safety shield that can be activated to cover the needleimmediately following venipuncture to help prevent accidental needlestickinjuries. (888) 296-3883 or www.vacuette.com

3M

TheCommercial Care Division of 3M introduces 23 commercial cleaning chemicals toits line of cleaning chemicals. The bulk form is a cost-effective choice forlight users of commercial cleaning chemicals who do not require a chemicalmanagement system. The expanded line offers cleaning solutions for a full rangeof needs, including hard-floor cleaners and maintainers, degreasers,disinfectant cleaners, carpet-care chemicals, restroom cleaners, odor controland general/specialty cleaners. The new products are available in either aconcentrate or a ready-to-use form. Many of the new products are available in avariety of sizes, including quart, gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon. The new lineincludes the 3M Neutral Quat Disinfectant Cleaner, an EPA-registered,hospital-grade quaternary disinfectant that kills HIV-1, MRSA, VRE, HerpesSimplex I and II and other pathogens. (800) 557-2249 or www.3M.com/commcare

Spectrum Surgical

Spectrumintroduces a new and improved line of surgical instrument cleaning brushes. Thewire-twisted cleaning brushes are now produced using antimicrobial nylonbristles designed to resist bacterial growth and to offer superior infectioncontrol properties. A complete line of surgical instrument cleaning brushes isavailable, with diameters measuring as small as 1mm and as large as 15mm, withlengths ranging from 8 inches to 31 inches. (800) 444-5644 or www.spectrumsurgical.com

Crossfield Products Corp.

Dex-O-TrexCheminert CFS is an epoxy floor designed to provide high performance andaesthetic appeal in healthcare, institutional and industrial applications.Dex-O-Trex is a jointless flooring system that incorporates antimicrobialchemistry to control the growth of microorganisms on the floor surface. Byincorporating a biocide agent designed to stop microorganisms' reproductivecapacity, the floor is protected from growth of gram-negative and gram-positivebacteria. Dex-O-Trex Cheminert CFS may be applied over concrete, metal, existingceramic tile or wood substrate. (310) 886-9100 or www.dexotrex.com

Regent Medical

RegentMedical now offers healthcare workers a towelette application of Hibistat, awaterless alternative to liquid soap when routine handwashing is not possible orconvenient. The combination of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and 0.5 percentchlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is designed to provide immediate and persistentactivity to reduce the chance for cross infection of patients. Users areinstructed to rub hands vigorously with the towelette for about 15 seconds,paying special attention to fingernails and interdigital spaces. Theemollient-based formula is designed to be gentle and non-irritating. (800)843-8497 or www.regentmedical.com