Of the many hats we wear, materials management is one of the most challenging. We look for high quality and cost efficiency with every resource we analyze — a task made even more complex by the ever-changing standards and regulations that govern our work. Fortunately, vendors and manufacturers are committed to working with us to develop creative and cost-effective products that promote positive outcomes. Take a proactive role in managing your facility's supplies. Here's a guide to some of the newest choices on the market to help you get started. I found these offerings very enticing, as our industry continues to strive for the best.

— Brenda Cyrulik, RN, CNOR, CASC

Ansell Healthcare
Derma Prene IsoTouch Surgical Gloves
(800) 952-9916
www.ansellhealthcare.com
List price: $480 for a case of 200
With latex sensitivities becoming increasingly frequent, it's essential to have safe alternatives, such as these gloves made from synthetic polyisoprene. The light green color indicates to staff immediately that the gloves are safe for those with latex allergies or sensitive skin, says Ansell.

Cardinal Health
RoyalSilk Gowns
(800) 964-5227
www.cardinalhealth.com
List price: not disclosed
Surgical gowns should protect staff from potentially infectious materials, but that doesn't mean they can't be comfortable, too. Cardinal Health says a new, proprietary fabric makes its RoyalSilk gowns soft, breathable and easy to move in.

Cardinal Health
Esteem Micro Powder-Free Synthetic Surgical Gloves
(800) 964-5227
www.cardinalhealth.com/gloves
List price: not disclosed
These synthetic gloves lack the protein allergens of natural rubber latex that can irritate the skin. Cardinal Health says the Esteem Micro gloves provide good tactile sensitivity, tensile strength and grip.

ClearPoint Medical
420 Abdominal Brief
(866) 694-7799
www.clearpointmd.com
List price: $27.95 (sizes XS-XL); $32.95 (XXL); $37.95 (XXXL)
Comfort is a big component of patient satisfaction. ClearPoint Medical says this latex-free brief made from micro power mesh has several features that enhance patient comfort: an adjustable hook-and-eye crotch closure; side zippers with hook-and-eye cotton guard tape; a 3-inch-wide waistband; fabric that lets the skin breathe; and inner panels for support.

InnerSpace
System 100
(800) 467-7224
www.innerspacecorp.com
List price: subscription-based model
Tracking clinical supplies and identifying wastage are key to maintaining a balanced budget at your facility. Using embedded radio frequency identification technology and biometric security access, InnerSpace's System 100 is designed to help you accurately track high-cost clinical supplies in real time, says the company.

Kimberly-Clark Health Care
Surgical Products Portfolio
(800) 742-1996
www.kchealthcare.com
List price: not disclosed
Organization and ease of ordering are the two main benefits of Kimberly-Clark's new portfolio of gowns, drapes and packs. They're offered in three performance classes: KC 100 for basic procedures, KC 200 for a wide range of procedures and KC 300 for best-in-class OR protection.

Medline Industries
SensiCare Green Surgical Gloves
(800) MEDLINE
www.medline.com
List price: $3.22 per pair
These synthetic, non-latex gloves come with Medline's proprietary Aloetouch moisturizing technology, says the company. This feature is most beneficial for healthcare workers whose hands become dry and uncomfortable from frequent washing and exposure to harsh hand hygiene products.

M??lnlycke Health Care
Biogel PI UltraTouch Surgical Gloves
(800) 843-8497
www.biogellatexsmart.com
List price: not disclosed
The added bonus of this new, polyisoprene glove is increased tactile sensitivity for the user, says M??lnlycke. And when worn over M??lnlycke's blue Biogel Skinsense Underglove, the UltraTouch is able to alert the wearer when a puncture has occurred by showing a dark blue spot within seconds, says the company.

PSS World Medical
Select Repara Hydrocolloid Dressings
(877) 777-7455
www.pssworldmedical.com
List price: not disclosed
These non-latex dressings have two main features that promote healing and patient comfort: the hydrocolloid material, which helps form a gel-like covering to maintain a moist wound environment and create a barrier against contamination; and an embedded mesh layer that allows easy and intact dressing removal.

Sempermed
SemperCare Tender Touch Exam Gloves
(800) 366-9545
www.sempermedusa.com
List price: not disclosed
Yet another new offering in the non-latex glove department, SemperCare Tender Touch gloves are powder-free and made from nitrile. Sempermed says they have the fit, feel, sensitivity and strength of latex (without the allergens) and form to the natural shape of the wearer's hand for comfort.

Torex
Premium Hot and Cold Therapy Sleeve
(216) 881-8299
www.torexhealth.com
List price: $22.95 (M); $24.95 (L); $26.95 (XL)
Patients might be more likely to use the Torex premium hot and cold therapy sleeve after knee surgery because it's designed to conform more readily to the patient's body than other slippery, inflexible packs, says Torex. The sleeve can also be refrozen and reused after the gel thaws.