What is PD CEN/TR 16953 - Medical gloves for single use about?
PD CEN/TR 16953 is an international standard that focuses on medical gloves for single-use. PD CEN/TR 16953 provides information for those choosing or using sterile and non-sterile gloves for medical applications based on a risk assessment. PD CEN/TR 16953 deals with gloves worn primarily for the protection of the patient and glove user from biological cross-contamination.
PD CEN/TR 16953 describes the rationale behind the requirements of the EN 455 series and explores the possible trade-offs in glove selection between the various factors which affect the glove, physical properties, biocompatibility, comfort and sensitivity.
Who is PD CEN/TR 16953 - Medical gloves for single use for?
PD CEN/TR 16953 on guidance for the selection of medical gloves is useful for:
- Healthcare departments
- Medical gloves manufacturers
- Laboratory scientists and workers
- Local public health officials
Why should you use PD CEN/TR 16953 - Medical gloves for single use?
Medical gloves are a barrier to agents responsible for the transmission of infections. To help ensure effectiveness, the gloves must fit properly, are free from holes, and have adequate physical properties over their entire shelf life to resist barrier failure during use.
PD CEN/TR 16953 sets out guidance for users and choosers for selection, storage and use of gloves for medical applications.
In addition, PD CEN/TR 16953 is important that adequate information is provided on any risks to the health of glove users or patients that use of the gloves can cause, e.g., allergic reactions.
PD CEN/TR 16953 are recommended to be worn for two main reasons:
- To reduce the risk of contamination of healthcare worker’s hands with blood and other body fluids
- To reduce the risk of germ dissemination to the environment and transmission from the healthcare worker to the patient and vice versa, as well as from one patient to another