Durability of Double-gloving With Biogel® Surgical Gloves When Used by Clinicians/Surgeons

A prospective open-label study design was chosen because it will provide the most accurate data on the efficacy of four commercially available similar brands of NRL (natural rubber latex) and synthetic latex surgical gloves when they are used for surgeries in a clinical setting. The primary endpoint will be the overall failure rate of the Biogel® sterile surgical undergloves (device) compared to three undergloves brands of surgical gloves. The secondary endpoints are perforation rates of the underglove, the failure rate of the overglove, the frequency of overglove perforation detection by the glove wearer when double-gloving, the ratio of perforations detected of overglove compared to underglove and to determine the frequency of overglove perforation detection by the glove wearer.

The clinical investigation will be statistically powered to test the hypothesis that the failure rate of the Biogel® Sterile Surgical undergloves is different from that of the three comparators.

This is a non-significant risk, cross-over, comparative, prospective, five-armed, open-label clinical investigation in which the perforation rate of surgical gloves from four different manufacturers will be evaluated in double-gloving fashion. Study clinicians who will directly in the sterile field, with a similar surgical procedural work scope will be asked to use gloves from the four manufacturers of surgical gloves while performing surgical procedures. The types of procedures under which the study gloves will be put in use are prosthetic joints arthroplasty and implantation (i.e. orthopedic), trauma surgery, neurosurgery, colorectal and cardiothoracic surgery.

All gloves under evaluation in each phase will be assessed for perforation rate and overall failure on the basis of binomial responses (Y/N) looking at five time points:

* glove failure pre-donning (after removal from pack, prior to donning)
* glove failure during donning (putting the gloves on)
* observed intraoperative glove failure
* glove failure during doffing (glove removal)
* post-procedure: glove perforation and failure determined using a standardized water leak test

No patients have been enrolled in this study therefore no patient data will be assessed.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

All study clinicians, i.e. study glove wearers, must meet all of the following Inclusion Criteria in order to be included in the investigation:

* Must be certified and licensed physician or a clinician in training under supervision in Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic, Colorectal or Trauma specialty surgery services or be working in other OR support functions;
* Directly take part in the surgical procedure work within the sterile field;
* Be willing to wear half size larger underglove if recommended by the manufacturer.
* Perform one of the five target procedure groups which is scheduled to last a minimum of 1 hour;
* Be a current employee or active medical staff member with privileges at the institution conducting the clinical investigation;
* Be willing and able to participate in the written user survey and other tasks associated with the clinical investigation and evaluation of the surgical gloves;
* Be willing and able to read, understand and sign the participant information and consent form prior to the initiation of the clinical investigation.

Exclusion Criteria:

All potential study participants who meets any of the following Exclusion Criteria will not be included in the investigation:

* Has had or currently has dermatological or other medical conditions that may prevent proper scrub technique and the use of the sterile study surgical gloves for the duration of the participation in the procedure or the span of time the investigation is to take place;
* Wearing of rings, bracelets, or other jewelry that cannot be removed during glove evaluation;
* Incomplete or absent training on the current clinical investigation plan and study participation responsibilities; and
* Is an employee or staff member of the Sponsor, CRO or any other glove manufacturer; or is an immediate relative of an employee of the Sponsor, CRO or any other glove manufacturer.