Novel Protective Underglove

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious bacteria, viruses, or other disease-causing germs carried in blood or other body fluids. These germs include hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV. Surgical and examination gloves are worn by health care workers to reduce the risk of workers catching germs from patients or patients catching germs from workers. The purpose of this study is to further develop polyvinylidene fluoride coatings for use as a protective coating worn underneath the gloves. Some health care workers may have tiny cuts on their hands that need to be protected, and gloves can have defects such as tiny holes that can allow germs to travel through them. The undercoating can add an additional layer of protection under gloves. The coating is applied in liquid form to hands and dries as a film without wrinkling, tearing, lifting, or bubbling. The liquid contains chemicals that fight germs. The coating also provides protection from skin irritation caused by the latex in some gloves.