Ann Fahey-Widman, APR
Vice President, Corporate Communications
afahey@medline.com
847-643-3011
John Marks
Director, Communications
jmarks@medline.com
847-643-3309
Healthcare employees work in a fast-paced environment where even the simplest mistakes can have serious consequences – like accidently using a latex exam glove when the worker or patient has a latex allergy. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), 8-12 percent of health care workers are latex sensitive with reactions ranging from irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact sensitivity, to immediate, possibly life-threatening, sensitivity. Another three million people in the United States are estimated to have latex allergies, according to the American Latex Allergy Association.
Contributing to the latex issue is unclear labeling on the packaging whether or not a product contains latex. Medline Industries, Inc., the largest supplier of exam gloves in the United States, is making it hard for healthcare workers to select the wrong item with the introduction of innovative new packaging for its exam gloves. Medline's new packaging now features key information prominently displayed on five sides of the box, including whether the glove is latex, latex-free, nitrile or vinyl, as well as the glove's size and color.
Since the information is printed on five sides of the box, it can be easily seen and will not be obscured by a glove box holder. These features can help ensure the healthcare worker is selecting the right glove.
"The new glove packaging will make it easier for the healthcare worker to quickly see which glove he or she is choosing for which type of clinical or non-clinical situation," said Candace Smith, MPA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer for Medline. "We are constantly looking for innovative ways to solve key challenges healthcare workers face by creating innovative product and packaging solutions."
The transition to Medline's new packaging began late in 2011 with its Aloetouch® line of gloves, which uses a proprietary technology to coat the inside of the gloves with pure freeze-dried organic aloe to help soothe and soften skin that is irritated from frequent hand washing and glove wearing. The new packaging will be rolled out to Medline's other exam glove lines later this year.
As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, Medline manufactures and distributes more than 125,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices and home care dealers. Recently named one of the "100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare," Medline is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill. and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.
Over the past five years, Medline has been the fastest-growing distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the U.S., serving as the primary distributor to over 450 major hospitals and healthcare systems. As a leading distributor, Medline offers a comprehensive array of consulting and management services encompassing the supply chain and logistics, utilization and standardization, business tools and enhanced reporting capabilities and on-staff clinicians.
Medline has a growing network of 50 manufacturing and distribution centers worldwide, as well as an expanding, dedicated transportation fleet with over 200 vehicles in a variety of sizes to fit customers' specific delivery needs. The fleet is equipped with the latest navigation devices for enhanced order tracking and communication.
