Contents:

A. Executive Summary B. Introduction to the Market B.1 Market Profile B.2 Industry Segmentation B.2.1 Surgical Drapes B.2.2 Surgical Gloves B.2.3 Surgical Gowns B.2.4 Surgical Masks B.3 Analyzing Market Movements B.3.1 Downward Spiraling of Gown Prices B.3.2 Reusable vs. Disposable Apparel in the Market B.3.3 Demands of the Profession C. The Important Role Technology Plays in the Market C.1 Emergence of Biofunctional Textiles C.2 Innovations in Seaming Technologies C.3 Growth in Non-Conventional Types of Gloves C.4 The Surfacing of MediSoft C.5 Introduction of Advanced Composite Technology C.6 Advancements in Spunjet Technology D. Introduction of New Products in the Market E. Major Contributors to the Industry E.1 Cardinal Health E.2 DuPont Medical Fabrics E.3 Kimberly-Clark Health Care E.4 Medline Industries F. US Surgical Apparel Market: Future Perspective G. Appendix H. Glossary of Terms

Summary:

Surgical apparel plays a crucial role in asepsis by reducing the transfer of bacteria from the skin of the surgical staff to the air in the operating room. Wearing surgical gowns and other medical apparel (i.e. surgical masks, gloves, etc) is vital because there will always be microorganisms on or in the human skin, even after conducting strict hygienic and sterilization procedures. The purpose of surgical apparel is not only to keep bacteria from entering surgical wounds, but to also protect the surgical staff from blood, urine, saline, or other chemicals and bodily fluids during surgical procedures. While surgical apparels primary function is infection control, todays surgical staff is demanding more. And it appears suppliers are rising to the challenge, offering a broad range of gowns, drapes, face masks, gloves and other items that provide the very latest in protection, design and comfort. Companies, regardless of their specialty, are being forced to meet customer needs and demands in terms of quality and innovation, and at the same time, keep costs to a minimum. Surgical apparel is one of those areas that is offering customers more. Like other sectors, surgical apparel manufacturers are constantly searching for ways to increase effectiveness, comfort and efficiencies. The result is products that offer more features at a reasonable price - and perhaps even less than models of the past. The surgical apparel market in United States has plenty of competition but the field is narrowing. One of the most notable mergers in recent years was the 2003 acquisition of Maxxim Medical. Maxxim was known more for procedure packs and gloves, but was also a supplier of surgical drapes and gowns. Medline said it took the opportunity to acquire the ailing Maxxim to improve its own market position. During the past three or four decades, the surgical apparel market has seen a steady conversion from reusable products to disposable goods. Technological benefits, as well as rising concerns over healthcare costs, have more recently expanded the use of disposables. As this market continues to mature, the next challenge for disposable medical apparel will be to improve breathability, wearer comfort and increased barrier resistance. Aruvian Research analyzes the Surgical Apparel Market in the United States in a comprehensive report which covers the basics of the market including market profile, market statistics, analysis of industry segments, market trends, growth drivers, and much more. The report also examines the latest technological developments and trends, along with new product introductions, which are driving the surgical apparel industry in the US. Leading players in the market such as Medline Industries, Kimberly Clark, and others are analyzed competitively in the report. Summing up, the report presents a complete industry forecast and future patterns of growth for the US Surgical Apparel Industry.

Companies Mentioned

Cardinal Health DuPont Medical Fabrics Kimberly-Clark Health Care Medline Industries