Banned Devices effective January 18, 2017
- Powdered Surgeon’s Gloves
- Powdered Patient Examination Gloves
- Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’s Glove
Background
The FDA has determined that powdered medical gloves pose an unreasonable and substantial risk and therefore has banned their use. Effective January 18, 2017, “devices already in commercial distribution and those already sold to the ultimate user, as well as to devices that would be sold or distributed in the future” must be discontinued.
Action
All powdered surgeon’s gloves, powdered patient examination gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating surgeon’s gloves are to be removed. Although this ban is directed at clinical use of powdered gloves, it is also applicable to gloves used in laboratory settings.
Disposal
The above-mentioned gloves can be disposed of in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill facilities.
Note: Powdered radiographic protection gloves are excluded.