WO1990014048A1

WO1990014048A1 - Protective coverings

Info

Publication number: WO1990014048A1
Application number: PCT/US1990/002903
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ingbert E. Fuchs
Original assignee: Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System
Priority date: 1989-05-22
Filing date: 1990-05-22
Publication date: 1990-11-29
Also published as: AU5672790A

Abstract

A protective covering (e.g. a glove, finger cot or condom) having a protective substance (18) associated therewith in such a manner as to provide protection if the covering becomes punctured or torn. The protective substance may be associated with the covering in such a manner as to release if the covering becomes punctured or torn, for example, by providing the protective substance between the layers (12, 14) of a sealed double layer covering with appropriate selection of the protective substance, the glove has various applications. The protective substance may be an antimicrobial substance, and may include a dye for a visual indication of punctures of tears in the covering layers. Alternatively, a protective glove useful in chemical handling and preparations may be provided by selecting a neutralizing and/or absorption indicating substance as the protective substance. The covering may be sealed at a plurality of points (17) to restrict disassembly of the layers, and may be compartmentalized to prevent the protective substance from accumulating at the base of the covering during use.

Description

PROTECTIVE COVERINGS

This invention relates to protective coverings for human body members. More particularly, this invention relates to coverings such as protective gloves which may be used for various purposes, including, for example, medical procedures or protection from hazardous chemical substances. Other protective coverings to which the invention relates include finger cots and condoms.

The design of protective gloves represents a struggl of competing interests. To increase the protective natur of the glove intuitively requires increasing the thicknes of the glove material. However, by increasing the thick- ness of the glove material, the sense of touch for the wearer of the gloves is increasingly hampered. Thus, the glove designer must find a suitable compromise between safety and sense of touch.

This problem is particularly acute in the area of surgical gloves. The sense of touch in the hands of a surgeon is important for the proper handling of delicate instruments and the proper execution of precise surgical procedures. However, it is also desirable that the surgeon be protected from biohazardous agents which the surgeon may be exposed to from the patient. For example, the surgical patient may carry viruses such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or hepatitis. During surgery, the surgeon's gloves are frequently cut or punctured, exposing the surgeon to a high risk of infection.

Also, it is desirable to protect the patient from germs on the surgeon's or technician's hands. Although medical personnel, of course, typically scrub their hands before performing surgical procedures, some germs may remain and be exposed to the patient upon puncturing or tearing the surgical gloves.

Surgical gloves known to the Applicant are generally made of latex, vinyl, or neoprene, i.e. thin elastic materials which provide reasonable tear resistance and allow for satisfactory sense of touch. However, the gloves can be easily torn or punctured with sharp surgical instruments. Furthermore, it is difficult for the surgeon to detect a small tear or puncture in the glove material during surgery since such a puncture is difficult to see, especially if the gloves are covered with a patient's body fluids. Thus, the surgeon has little warning of exposure.

In the chemical or hazardous material preparation and handling area, disadvantages in present gloves also exist. Although the sense of touch for these areas may not be as important as that for the surgeon, there is also often a risk of danger even with thicker protective gloves. The glove material may be degraded or penetrated after a period of time by various chemicals which the chemist handles.

Protective coverings for other parts of the body also exist. For example, finger cots (i.e. glove-like coverings which cover only one finger) are used in medical procedures particularly in rectal and vaginal examinations. Condoms are used to cover the male reproductive organ during intercourse. In addition to the obvious purpose of a condom to trap semen and thereby minimize the possibility of pregnancy resulting from intercourse, condoms are also used to protect the partners from infections by sexually transmitted diseases. This has become increasingly important over recent years in preventing the spread of HIV.

In these and other protective coverings, similar problems and concerns exist, i.e. danger of tearing or ripping the covering balanced against the desire for sensitivity.

Thus it is an object of this invention to provide protective coverings which address the disadvantages experienced by the above-described coverings.

In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a protective covering for a human body member, the protective covering having an inner and outer layer. An antimicrobial substance is disposed between the inner and outer layers, and an impermeable seal between the layers is provided to contain the antimicrobial substance therebetween.

The term "protective covering" is used to mean any covering used to protectively cover a human body member. The term "human body member" is used broadly to include all limbs and external protrusions of the human body, e.g. fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, legs, head, penis, etc. In many applications, a human body member may be exposed to biohazardous substances such as infected body fluids, or hazardous chemicals. Coverings are often used to protect body members from exposure to hazardous substances. Thus, the term "protective covering" includes such items as gloves, finger cots, condoms, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical glove having an inner and outer layer. An antimicrobial substance is disposed between the inner and outer layers, and an impermeable seal between the layers is provided.

The term "antimicrobial substance" means herein a substance capable of killing or inactivating infectious agents, such as bacteria or virus. Thus, the term includes, for example, virucides, bactericides, antiseptic materials, antiviral materials, antibacterial materials, etc. The term also includes sper icidal substances which is particularly applicable when the protective garment provided by the invention is a condom. The spermicidal substance used is preferably additionally virucidal and/or bactericidal.

The term "impermeable seal" is used to mean a seal which is substantially both fluid-tight and air-tight. The seal should be fluid-tight to prevent leakage of the protective substance between the layers, and should be air-tight to facilitate mechanical coupling between the two layers which may result from capillary forces exerted by the protective substance.

Typical virucides known in the art which may be suitable for use with the present invention include, for example, alcohols, ethers, chloroform, formaldehyde, phenols, beta propiolactone, iodine, chlorine, mercury salts, hydroxylamine , ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, quaternary ammonium compounds, enzymes, and detergents.

The antimicrobial substance may be provided in various physical forms, such as liquid, paste, powder, vapor, or gas. Liquid is preferred for reasons which will become evident below. The glove can provide improved protection over single layer surgical gloves. If the layers of the glove are punctured or torn during surgery, the antimicrobial substance is released and attacks infectious agents before reaching the surgeon's hands, thus protecting the surgeon during operating procedures. Furthermore, when a glove becomes punctured during use, it may act to protect the patient from exposure to germs which may exist on the surgeon's hands. The antimicrobial substance preferably takes the form of a liquid to provide quick and thorough release of the antimicrobial substance through a tear or puncture in the glove.

Applicant has found that sense of touch is not significantly diminished by the double layers. In the preferred embodiment, capillary forces exerted by the liquid solution provide a mechanical-like coupling between the layers, so that the sense of touch for the wearer of the gloves is not significantly diminished.

In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial substance comprises a virucidal solution, such as aqueous nonoxynol-9. This substance is an effective virucide against such viruses as HIV and hepatitis, and thus provides a glove being particularly useful for performing medical procedures on infected patients. Preferably, the aqueous nonoxynol-9 has a concentration of between about 0.05% and 5% (volum /volume) . Most preferably, the concentration is between about 0.25% and 1%

(volume/volume) . It is known that a concentration in this range is effective for killing viruses. Higher concentrations can also be used but may be irritable if contacted with the eyes. In another embodiment, the antimicrobial substance comprises a bactericidal substance, preferably a bacteri¬ cidal solution. Of course, the antimicrobial substance could include both virucidal and bactericidal agents.

In a preferred embodiment of a surgical glove provided by the present invention, the antimicrobial substance (preferably a liquid) includes a dye. This embodiment provides an effective means for showing the surgeon the precise location of a tear or puncture in the glove. Thus, if the outer layer of the glove is punctured, the dye will seep out of the puncture hole and stain the area around the hole. If the inner layer is also punctured, the dye will seep through the inner hole and stain the surgeon's hand at the location of the puncture. This provides the surgeon the precise location of exposure so that the surgeon can decontaminate the area of puncture.

Many suitable dyes are available for use with this invention. A dye should preferably be selected which is FDA approved for internal and external use so as not to harm the patient or surgeon. Preferably, the dye is selected so that its color is easily detectable in a blood environment. Suitable dyes include FDA approved FD&C colors, for example, FD&C Blue #2 (MERCK Index #4835) and FD&C Green #2 (MERCK Index #5312) . These two dyes are particularly preferred since they have FDA approval for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics, have not been found to be carcinogenic, and provide good indications of puncture in use with the present invention due to their intense colors. Preferably, the concentration of the dye in the antimicrobial solution is between about 0.3 to 0.5 grams/liter, providing a good compromise between economics and tear indication. Many dyes are also bactericidal and thus provide the further function of attacking infectious agents. Another advantage provided by use of such dyes is that they can not generally be washed off with water. Thus, if the glove is punctured and the user's hand is stained by the dye, he must use alcohol to remove the stain, alcohol also being a bactericide. Thus, the area of the puncture is decontaminated while the dye stain is washed off.

Preferably, the volume of the antimicrobial solution disposed between the layers is between about 2 and 3 milliliters.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner and outer layers are made of latex. Alternatively, the layers may comprise vinyl or neoprene. Latex provides adequate tear resistance for surgical procedures and allows for a good sense of touch for the wearer.

Preferably, the inner layer includes a rough outer surface. Alternatively, the outer layer includes a rough inner surface. This provides the advantage of a more even distribution of the antimicrobial substance between the glove layers, particularly when the layers are compressed together at certain points during normal usage.

For applications when one may be exposed to harmful chemicals, such as during handling or preparation of chemicals or other hazardous substances, another embodiment of the present invention provides a protective glove. The protective glove includes an inner layer, an outer layer, an impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers, and a. neutralizing substance disposed between the inner and outer layers. The neutralizing substance disposed between the inner and outer layers can be appropriately selected for the particular application for which the glove is to be used. Preferably, the neutralizing compound should be selected such that if the outer layer of the glove is punctured or permeated, the neutralizing compound will neutralize the chemicals to which the glove is exposed and thus protect the hands of the wearer of the glove.

For example, if a chemist is to be handling acids, the neutralizing substance selected should be a basic or buffering solution which could neutralize the acid upon puncture of the glove before reaching the chemist's hands. As another example, if a person were handling neurotoxins one might place appropriate enzymatic agents between the glove layers which would cleave the neurotoxins upon contact.

Since the sense of touch for a chemist is usually not as critical as that for a surgeon, a thicker and more protective material than latex is preferably selected for the protective glove. For example, the inner and outer layers may be made of neoprene, nitrile, or any other suitable materials which are resistant to the types of materials to be handled and which are resistant to tearing or puncture.

Since the appropriate neutralizing substance disposed between the layers may vary depending upon the chemicals or materials to be handled, the seal between the layers preferably includes a zip lock seal. In this manner, the user of the glove can temporarily open the seal, place the appropriate neutralizing substance between the glove layers, and reseal the glove. Additionally, the material between the glove layers may include a pH or other indicator which would change colors after a passage of time to indicate that the neutralizing agent has been used up, such that the gloves may no longer be effective. Upon such indication, the user could replace the old gloves with a new pair.

The invention further extends to a surgical glove including an antimicrobial substance associated with the glove in such a manner as to provide protection from infection if the glove becomes punctured or torn. As described above, the antimicrobial substance is preferably provided between the layers of a double layer glove. However, the antimicrobial substance might also be provided in the form of a layer or coating on the inner and/or outer surfaces of a single layer glove, or might be impregnated within the glove material.

Preferably, the antimicrobial substance is associated with the glove in such a manner as to release if the glove becomes punctured or torn. For example, the antimicrobial substance may be provided as a liquid disposed between the layers of a double layer glove, or it may be provided, for example, in pockets, capsules, or microcapsules located between the layers.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective material includes a dye to give a visible warning upon release if the glove is leaking or becomes punctured. That is, the dye upon release will stain the area of puncture.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a surgical glove including a dye associated with the glove in such a manner as to produce a visible stain if the glove becomes punctured or torn at the location of such puncture or tear. The invention also extends to a finger cot having an inner layer, an outer layer, an impermeable seal between the layers, and an antimicrobial substance disposed between the layers. The finger cot is substantially similar to the surgical glove described above, except that the finger cot is configured and used to cover only a single finger as opposed to an entire hand. The preferred embodiments of materials discussed above in relation to surgical gloves also apply to finger cots. Thus, for example, the antimicrobial substance of the finger cot preferably comprises a liquid solution including a dye.

The invention further provides a condom having an inner and outer layer, an impermeable seal between the layers, and an antimicrobial substance disposed between the inner and outer layers. Preferably, the antimicrobial substance comprises a spermicidal solution, such as nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 is particularly preferred since it also acts as a virucidal agent for protection against HIV and hepatitis.

One potential problem which can arise with the double layer protective coverings provided by this invention is that the two layers may tend to peel away from each other during use. This potential problem is most likely to arise when the covering is inserted into and removed from a tight passage, as will typically occur when using a glove, finger cot or condom. To reduce this problem, the layers of the covering may be sealed (e.g. by heat stamping or gluing) at a plurality of points, thereby physically adhering the two layers at those points. This will reduce the likelihood of disassembly of the covering during use. -li¬

lt should be appreciated that the protective ability of the covering may be reduced at the sealed points, since a puncture of the covering at that precise location might not cause the release of the protective substance between the layers. This is not likely to present a significant concern in relation to condoms and finger cots, since sharp objects are not generally encountered when using those items. Nevertheless, the potentially reduced protection of the covering should be appreciated and considered when selecting the number and pattern of sealed points on the covering.

This invention is now described by reference to the appended drawings which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the glove provided by the present invention.

Figure 1 is a side view of a glove prepared according to the present invention.

Figure 1A is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional side view illustrating the impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers of the glove of Fig. 1.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary, sectional side view illustrating an alternate impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers of a glove in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is also a fragmentary sectional side view showing another alternative of an impermeable seal.

Figure 4 is a side view of a condom prepared according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the condom taken at the position shown in Fig. 4.

Figure 6 is a side view of a finger cot prepared according to the present invention.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. A double layer glove 10 is illustrated having an inner layer 12, an outer layer 14, an impermeable seal 16 between the inner layer 12 and the outer layer 14, and a protective substance or solution 18 disposed between the inner layer 12 and the outer layer 14.

This glove is suitable for a broad range of applica¬ tions, depending upon^*the selection of material for the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 and the protective ,substance or solution 18. For use as a surgical glove, the inner and outer layers 12,and 14 are preferably made of latex. For such a surgical glove 10, protective substance 18 preferably comprises an antimicrobial solution. The antimicrobial solution preferably comprises a virucidal agent such as nonoxynol-9. The antimicrobial solution may also or alternatively include a bactericidal solution. In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial solution 18 includes a dye. The dye will stain the area surrounding a puncture or tear in the glove, giving the surgeon a visual means for detecting areas of exposure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antimicrobial substance comprises a solution of nonoxynol- 9 having a concentration of between about 0.05%-5% (v/v) , most preferably about 0.5% (v/v), and a dye comprising FD&C Blue #2 having a concentration of between about 0.3 and 0.5 g/1. Preferably, the inner layer 12 includes a rough outer surface (i.e., the surface exposed to the antimicrobial substance 18) . Single layer latex gloves are commercially available, wherein one may specify the roughness or coarseness of the surfaces of the glove. A rough outer surface is preferable in that it provides a more even distribution of the substance 18 disposed between the inner and outer layers 12 and 14. It is preferable to have the substance 18 distributed as evenly as possible to provide maximum safety.

The fluid-tight seal between the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 may take a variety of forms as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3. In Figure 1, the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 proximate the wrist area of the glove have been vulcanized to provide an impermeable seal 16. The seal 16 can be formed by simply applying heat and pressing the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 together around the circumference of the wrist are for a sufficient length of time for a seal to form.

In a preferred embodiment, the layers 12 and 14 are sealed together at a plurality of points to reduce the likelihood that the layers will be peeled apart during use. As shown in Fig. 1, the fingers of the glove 10 may include a plurality of points 17 where the layers 12 and 14 have been heat stamped together. This feature is particularly advantageous when the fingers are used to explore or examine tight places. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the heat stamp points 17 are preferably located at the dorsal midpoint of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges of each finger. By locating the points at the dorsal portion of the glove 10, sensitivity is not substantially impaired, but disassembly of the layers is restricted. The heat stamped points may be formed by heating and pressing the inner and outer layers together at the desired places for a sufficient length of time for a seal to form.

The impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers 12 an 14 may take a variety of forms as illustrated in Figs. 1A, 2 and 3. In Fig. 1A, the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 proximate the wrist area of the glove have been vulcanized or heat stamped to provide an impermeable seal 16. The seal 16 can be formed by simply applying heat and pressing the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 together around the circumference of the wrist area for a sufficient length of time for a seal to form.

Alternatively, inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 may be glued together to form an impermeable seal 20 as shown in Fig. 2. For example, with respect to a latex surgical glove, a latex glue can be conveniently used. Such glues are commercially available, e.g., 2141 Rubber Adhesive from the 3M Company. Alternatively, commercially available rubber cements can be used to create the seal between the layers. As a further alternative, shown in Fig. 3, inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 may be formed of a continuous sheet of material such that an impermeable seal 22 is provided by the roll connecting the inner and outer layers 12 and 14. Other fluid-tight seals may be used, for example, tape adhesive on both sides or a zip lock seal.

For chemical handling or preparation applications, the inner and outer layers 12 and 14 shown in Fig. 1 preferably comprise either neoprene or nitrile. A neutralizing substance 18 is disposed between the inner and outer layers 12 and 14. Furthermore, the seal 16 is preferably a zip lock type seal, so that the user can select and place an appropriate neutralizing substance between the layers depending upon the particular chemicals to be handled.

Several methods of preparing gloves provided by the present invention will now be described. These prepara¬ tions will be discussed in the context of surgical gloves, although it should be understood that analogous prepara¬ tions may be performed for other applications of the gloves.

In one method, one places a first glove on his hand. This first glove will eventually form the inner layer of a double-layer glove. The preparer of the glove dips his gloved hand into an antimicrobial substance and removes his hand from the substance. The preparer then places a second glove on his hand over the first glove. The second glove thus forms the outer layer of the double-layer glove. To form an impermeable seal between the first and second gloves, the preparer may peel a portion of the second glove away from his wrist. The preparer then applies glue or double adhesive tape to the outer surface of the first glove around the periphery proximate the wrist of the glove. The preparer then peels the wrist area of the second glove back over the first glove to form a glue seal.

Another suitable method of preparing a double-layer glove includes providing a first glove and exposing the exterior of the first glove to a vacuum environment. This first glove will eventually form the outer layer of the double-layer glove provided by the present invention. For example, the first glove may be inserted into a box through a box opening, wherein the wrist area of the first glove is temporarily sealed over the opening of the box in an air-tight arrangement. A vacuum is then applied to the interior of the box. This operates to expand the first glove like a balloon.

Next, a selected amount of antimicrobial substance is placed into the interior of the first glove. A second glove, which will form the inner layer of the double- layer glove, is now inserted into the expanded first glove. Preferably, the second glove is provided on a production form in the shape of a hand so that the second glove may be conveniently inserted in proper finger alignment with the first glove. The vacuum is then released and the first glove is released from the box opening. The first and second layers are then sealed proximate the wrist area.

A double-layer glove may be formed from a single piece of material, and thus provide a glove having a rolled seal as illustrated in Fig. 3. To make such a glove, a sheet of latex is first formed having two opposing glove-shaped sections. Such a sheet may be made using a negative form. Thus, one half of the sheet is in the shape of a hand, and the other half of the sheet is in the shape of an opposing hand. A puncture is made in one of the opposing hand sections and a vacuum is applied to the interior portion of that hand section. Due to the vacuum, the opposing hand section will be drawn into the first hand to provide a double-layer glove. The hand section in which the puncture was made and vacuum applied forms the outer layer, and the opposing hand forms the inner layer. The vacuum is then released and a selected amount of antimicrobial substance is injected between the two hand sections through the puncture opening in the outer glove section. The puncture opening is then sealed.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of a condom 30 as provided by the present invention is illustrated. The condom 30 includes an inner layer 32, an outer layer 34, and an impermeable seal 36 between the inner and outer layers at the rim of the condom. A spermicidal solution 38 such as nonoxynol-9 is disposed between the inner layer 32 and outer layer 34. Nonoxynol-9 is preferred, as it is both spermicidal to reduce the risk of pregnancy and virucidal for protection against harmful viruses such as HIV. The layers may be made of materials conventionally used for making condoms.

In order to reduce the likelihood of the layers 32 and 34 from peeling apart during use, the layers may be sealed together at a plurality of points. In the embodiment shown, the condom 30 is provided with a plurality of circular heat stamped lines 40, dividing the condom into distinct compartments 41 along its length. In this arrangement, the protective fluid 38 may be prevented from squeezing to the base of the condom 30 during use, as each heat stamped line 40 will restrict fluid flow between adjacent compartments 41. The heat stamped lines may be formed by heating and pressing the inner and outer layers together at the desired places for a sufficient length of time for a seal to form.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a preferred embodiment of a finger cot 50 is illustrated. Similar to the surgical glove described above, the finger cot 50 includes an inner layer, an outer layer 54, an impermeable seal 56 between the inner and outer layers, and an antimicrobial solution disposed between the layers. (It should be noted that a sectional view of the sidewall of the finger cot would look substantially similar to Fig. 5) . The preferred materials for use as the layers and antimicrobial solution discussed above in connection with surgical gloves also apply to the finger cot 50. Since finger cots are conventionally used for procedures such as rectal or vaginal examinations, it is desirable to seal the inner layer 52 and outer layer 54 together at a plurality of points to reduce the likelihood of disassembly during use. In the embodiment shown, the finger cot 50 is heat stamped with several circular lines 60, compartmentalizing the finger cot into isolated sections 61. As with the condom described above, this embodiment prevents the antimicrobial solution from accumulating at the base of the finger cot during use.

The instant invention has been disclosed in connection with specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations from the illustrated embodiments may be undertaken without departing the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in connection with jobs where it is required that -gloves be discarded after a certain amount of use, e.g. four hours, an absorption indicating substance might be placed between the glove layers to, e.g., change colors upon a certain degree of absorption.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A surgical glove comprising:

an inner layer;

an outer layer;

an impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers; and

an antimicrobial substance disposed between the inner and outer layers.

2. The surgical glove of claim 1, wherein the anti¬ microbial substance comprises a liquid solution.

3. The surgical glove of claim 2, wherein the anti¬ microbial solution comprises a virucidal solution.

4. The surgical glove of claim 3, wherein the virucidal solution comprises aqueous nonoxynol-9.

5. The surgical glove of claim 4, wherein the aqueous nonoxynol-9 has a concentration of between about 0.05% and 5% volum /volume.

6. The surgical glove of claim 2, wherein the anti¬ microbial solution comprises a bactericidal solution.

7. The surgical glove of claim 2, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes a dye.

8. The surgical glove of claim 1 , wherein the dye is FD&C Blue #2.

9. The surgical glove of claim 7, wherein the dye is FD&C Green #2.

10. The surgical glove of claim 2, wherein the anti¬ microbial solution has a volume of between about 2 and 3 milliliters.

11. The surgical glove of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer layers comprise latex.

12. The surgical glove of claim 1, wherein the inner layer includes a rough outer surface.

13. The surgical glove of claim 1, wherein the outer layer includes a rough inner surface.

14. A protective glove, comprising:

an inner layer;

an outer layer; an impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers; and

a neutralizing substance disposed between the inner and outer layers.

15. The protective glove of claim 14, wherein the inner and outer layers comprise neoprene.

16. The protective glove of claim 14, wherein the inner and outer layers comprise neoprene.

17. A surgical glove including a dye associated with the glove in such a manner as to produce a visible stain if the glove becomes punctured or torn at the location of such puncture or tear.

18. A surgical glove including an antimicrobial substance associated with the glove in such a manner as to provide protective from infection if the glove becomes punctured or torn.

19. The surgical glove of claim 18, the antimicrobial substance being associated with the glove in such a manner as to release if the glove becomes punctured or torn.

20. A surgical glove according to claim 19, in which the antimicrobial substance includes a dye to give a visible warning upon release if the glove becomes punctured or torn.

21. A surgical glove comprising:

an inner layer;

an outer layer;

an impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers; and

an antimicrobial solution disposed between the inner and outer layers, the antimicrobial solution includes a dye.

22. The surgical glove of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises a virucidal solution.

23. The surgical glove of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises a bactericidal solution.

24. The protective glove of claim 14, wherein the impermeable seal comprises a zip lock seal.

25. The surgical glove of claim 5, wherein the aqueous nonoxynol-9 has a concentration of between about 0.25% and 1% volume/volume.

26. A protective covering for a human body member, comprising: an inner layer;

an outer layer;

an impermeable seal between the inner and outer layers; and

an antimicrobial substance disposed between the inner and outer layers.

27. The protective covering of claim 26, wherein the inner and outer layers are sealed at a plurality of points to restrict disassembly of said layers during use.

28. The protective covering of claim 26 which is a finger cot.

29. The finger cot of claim 28, wherein the antimicrobial substance comprises a liquid solution.

30. The finger cot of claim 29, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises a virucidal solution.

31. The finger cot of claim 30, wherein the virucidal solution comprises aqueous nonoxynol-9.

32. The finger cot of claim 31, wherein the aqueous nonoxynol-9 has a concentration of between about 0.05% and 5% volume/volume.

33. The finger cot of claim 29, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises a bactericidal solution.

34. The finger cot of claim 29, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes a dye.

35. The finger cot of claim 34, wherein the dye is FD&C Blue #2.

36. The finger cot of claim 34, wherein the dye is FD&C Green #2.

37. The finger cot of claim 28, wherein the inner and outer layers comprise latex.

38. The finger cot of claim 28, wherein the inner layer includes a rough outer surface.

39. The finger cot of claim 28, wherein the outer layer includes a rough inner surface.

40. A finger cot including a dye associated with the finger cot in such a manner as to produce a visible stain if the finger cot becomes punctured or torn at the location of such puncture or tear.

41. The finger cot of claim 31, wherein the aqueous nonoxynol-9 has a concentration of between about 0.25% and 1% volume/volume.

42. The finger cot of claim 28, wherein the inner and outer layers are sealed at a plurality of points such that the finger cot is divided into a plurality of distinct compartments along its length.

43. The protective covering of claim 26 which is a condom.

44. The condom of claim 43, wherein the antimicrobial substance comprises a spermicidal solution.

45. The condom of claim 44, the spermicidal solution also being virucidal.

46. The condom of claim 43, wherein the spermicidal solution comprises nonoxynol-9.

47. The condom of claim 43, wherein the inner and outer layers are sealed at a plurality of points such that the finger cot is divided into a plurality of distinct compartments along its length.