Due to the rising number of cancer cases and the increasing use of chemotherapy, laboratory workers are having more and more contact with hazardous cytostatic products. As a worldwide leader in hand protection for healthcare practitioners, Ansell is committed to taking safety a step further. In collaboration with the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, Ansell has participated in pioneering studies into glove permeation by cytostatic agents. This research has led to the development of a new product: the Ansell Gammex® PF XP™ (extra protection) glove, specifically designed to meet the safety requirements of cytostatics handling.

Because of its latex formulation and Ansell’s great attention to every aspect of design, the Gammex® PF XP™ glove feels like a second skin. It delivers comfort, elasticity, and sensitivity, plus a natural fit that helps prevent hand fatigue. All this contributes to increased user acceptance and more widespread protection.

Not only does the Gammex® PF XP™ glove provide a high level of impermeability, but its latex formulation also delivers low allergenicity, excellent comfort, flexibility and ease of use - features the glove shares with the rest of the renowned Gammex® gloves. The glove’s indigo blue colour ensures that Gammex® PF XP™ is easily identified. Its surface is designed to secure safe handling of laboratory equipment. And the self-adhesive cuff band prevents the cuff from rolling down. A polyurethane lining with hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements allows easy dry and damp hand donning.

The glove’s very low protein content is achieved through protein and endogenous allergen reduction leaching (P.E.A.R.L) and postproduction washing cycles. Allergic contact dermatitis (type IV allergy) is lessened because the accelerator is completely consumed during the manufacturing process.

In tests, the Gammex® PF XP™ withstands a selection of cytostatics for up to 60 minutes, even after exposure to ethanol (which can degrade latex and result in faster permeation rates)*. An optimised wall thickness – 10% thicker – and a low risk of pinholes (AQL 0.65) both help to reduce permeability. Moreover, in rigorous Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) testing, the Gammex® PF XP™ is set to be certified to EN 420 and 374. Studies performed in a static test situation and at room temperatures probably underestimate the permeation results. In a new dynamic test methodology** the test machine mimics the dynamic movements of the hand and can be used with different acceptor media and temperatures. * For full test results please consult the ACPP leaflet ** Developed at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, by Pierre Wallemacq and Bertrand Favier in close collaboration with Ansell.