An introduction to SMG - A world-class standard for medical gloves

Manufacturer: 1) We understand that Malaysia is the world leader in the technically specified natural rubber and renowned world wide for introducing the SMR (Standard Malaysian Rubber). Recently we were told that Malaysia had yet again made history by introducing similar standard for medical gloves. Please tell us more about the gloves.
2) We have some technical problems regarding the handling of off-spec latex concentrates we imported from South East Asia that had badly affected our glove production. Details have been given to you by our Technical Department. I appreciate your agreement not to publish this piece of work by you due to its confidential nature.

JohnWoon: I'm glad to note your interest in SMG program from Malaysia. For your benifit, I'm reproducing the following published article:

As the world's leader in medical gloves, Malaysia is committed to supplying gloves of an internationally high standard for safety and reliability. The introducion of the Standard Malaysian Glove (SMG) program is a joint effort by the Malaysian Rubber Board's Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) and the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers' Association (MARGMA)

The SMG program was developed in consultation with regulatory and standard setting bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other relevant authorities.

The SMG program establishes standards not only for barrier performance, the single most important function of medical gloves, but also for protein and powder content, elements believed to cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to latex proteins.

The program applies to medical examination gloves, both powdered and powder-free. They are identified by a green logo for powder-free gloves and an orange logo for the lightly powdered variety.

However, SMG certified gloves can also be identified by the presence of the SMG logo, printed in dominant color of the dispenser box, with the type of gloves, powdered or powder-free, clearly indicated on the dispenser box.

SMG gloves are consistent in quality.

All SMG manufacturers must have a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9000-2000 or its equivalent.

SMG certification is carried out by the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia. An independent Quality Inspectorate of the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) undertakes regular surveillance testing to provide oversight and to ensure quality compliance by SMG producers. The MRB Testing Laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and is fully equipped for testing SMG gloves.

By setting clearly defined specifications for barrier function, strength, elasticity, and protein and powder content that are in line with FDA and ASTM technical specifications, the SMG program provides users with gloves that are consistently superior in barrier protection with reduced risk of protein sensitization.

Additional information about the availability of SMG gloves can be found at http://www.smg-online.biz

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