Frequently Asked Questions Concerning HALYARD* Medical Supplies

Medical Supplies

Nitrile is an abbreviated term sometimes used for nitrile rubber, which is made from butadiene and acrylonitrile monomers. When intended for use in a latex form for dipping gloves, a third monomer, a carboxylic acid, is also included. These three monomers, in the correct proportions, produce a polymer that is excellent for use in manufacturing gloves. Butadiene provides soft, rubbery, resilient characteristics to the polymer. Inclusion of acrylonitrile into the polymer structure greatly increases chemical resistance to oils and many petroleum-based chemicals. Carboxylic acid greatly enhances physical properties, such as strength, elongation, and resistance to cut and puncture. Other chemicals are also often added to the nitrile in relatively small amounts, to make it even more appropriate for use in gloves. These typically include cross-linking agents, accelerators, stabilizers, and colorants.
Several factors can affect glove discoloration.

  • Acidic perspiration may react with chemical additives in the glove resulting in discoloration
  • Chlorination can result in darker cuffs. This is not a problem unless there is a notable loss of strength as seen in over-chlorinated or over-heated gloves.
  • A chemical reaction between residual nicotine deposits (found between the index and middle finger where a smoker holds cigarettes) and manufacturing chemicals such as carbamates may stain the glove.
  • Metabolic copper or iron, or handling objects made of such metals, may also result in glove staining.

Yes, our Isolation Gowns are treated with an anti-stat to reduce the potential for static to build up in the gown.
AORN states:

If shoe covers are worn, they should be changed whenever they become torn, wet, or soiled, and they should be removed and discarded in a designated container before leaving the surgical area.

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instruments
AAMI guidelines are a widely accepted system of classification for protective apparel based on liquid barrier performance, according to ANDI/AAMI PB70:2003(R)2009.
We offer several different styles of masks that address the issue of fogging. These masks include our fog-free masks, anti-fog masks and masks with Dermatouch tape. Please contact your Halyard Health sales representative for more information.
We offer a fit testing kit that contains training materials for your healthcare facility. Your Halyard Health sales representative can assist in training your trainers to do fit testing.
Halyard products are not manufactured with natural rubber latex.
Color-coded gown neckbands, tie cards, and packaging are part of the HALYARD* Color-Key. The HALYARD* Color Key provides caregivers Instant Gown Recognition, to help minimize the risk of wearing the wrong gown. Now it’s easy to quickly select the gown you want for each and every procedure. The colors signify the following:

  • Yellow – Non-reinforced surgical gowns
  • Green – Fabric-reinforced surgical gowns
  • Red – High Performance Type Surgical Gowns (includes Zoned Impervious, Fully Impervious, and Specialty Impervious surgical gowns)
  • Packaging – The color that corresponds to the neckband color is located on the top edge of the front of the gown package.
  • Tie Card – The Color-Key tie card accompanies each gown, to help users in the OR understand what their colored neckbands represent

Yes, if a sterilizer malfunctions or a cycle is aborted before completion, packages wrapped with HALYARD* Sterilization Wrap should be re-wrapped prior to being placed in another sterilization cycle.
No. Halyard does not endorse the re-use (re-sterilization) of sterilization wrap and does not warrant performance of the product if it is re-used. It is cleared by the FDA as a single-use product.
This product is not manufactured with natural rubber latex.