What is BS EN 45569:2017

Introduction

BS EN 45569:2017 is a professional technical standard that governs the quality and performance requirements for medical gloves used in healthcare settings. This standard, which was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), aims to ensure the safety of both healthcare professionals and patients.

Key Requirements

The BS EN 45569:2017 standard outlines several key requirements that medical gloves must meet. First and foremost, these gloves must be able to provide an effective barrier against pathogens and other contaminants. They should also be resistant to permeation from chemicals commonly used in healthcare settings, such as disinfectants and cleaning agents.

Furthermore, the standard specifies that medical gloves should have adequate tensile strength and puncture resistance to prevent breakage or tearing during use. The gloves must also be comfortable to wear, allowing for dexterity and tactile sensitivity to perform delicate medical procedures with precision.

Testing and Certification

In order to comply with BS EN 45569:2017, medical glove manufacturers must ensure their products undergo rigorous testing and certification processes. These tests include assessing factors like glove thickness, physical properties, and biocompatibility. Additionally, gloves must undergo microbiological and viral penetration tests to verify their efficacy as protective barriers.

Once the testing is completed successfully, the manufacturer can obtain certification for their gloves, indicating compliance with the BS EN 45569:2017 standard. This certification allows healthcare professionals and organizations to easily identify gloves that meet the highest quality and safety standards.

Conclusion

BS EN 45569:2017 plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical gloves used in healthcare settings. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can provide products that offer reliable protection against pathogens and contaminants, while also maintaining necessary comfort and functionality for healthcare professionals. For healthcare organizations and personnel, using gloves certified under BS EN 45569:2017 provides confidence and peace of mind in delivering quality patient care.