Medical hand coverings

Abstract

The present invention relates to medical hand coverings. Disclosed herein are medical hand coverings for tightly covering a hand holding a medical instrument to prevent and / or minimize the spread of infectious agents during an examination. The medical hand coverings can be prepared by various methods, such as dipping and curing or welding and die-cutting. The medical hand coverings can have various uses, such as minimizing the spread of infectious agents and alleviating patient anxiety by including printed text on the medical hand coverings. Also disclosed herein are methods for packaging the medical hand coverings described herein, devices for dispensing the medical hand coverings described herein, methods for dispensing the medical hand coverings described herein, and kits containing the medical hand coverings described herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to medical hand coverings for enclosing a hand holding a medical instrument to prevent and / or minimize the transmission of infectious agents during examinations, methods of making the same, methods of using the same, methods of packaging the same, devices for dispensing such coverings, methods of dispensing the same, and kits thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, the spread of infectious agents and other contaminants has always been a concern. In order to address the spread of infectious diseases in health care settings, the use of protective coverings such as gloves, masks, isolation gowns and safety glasses is urged. Many preventive measures currently in place prevent the spread of infectious agents from health care workers to patients and vice versa. Despite these measures, infectious agents may still be spread from health care workers to patients through medical instruments (such as stethoscopes) used to examine patients. Although there are some recommendations to sterilize medical instruments between each patient examination, this practice is not strictly enforced.

[0003] There remains a need for medical coverings that are effective, convenient, and easy to use so that they gain acceptance among healthcare professionals. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a medical hand covering that is sufficiently soft, stretchable, and suitable for tightly wrapping around a hand holding a medical instrument.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to minimize the transmission of infectious agents to the patient being examined.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the anxiety of patients undergoing examinations with medical devices.

[0007] The above-mentioned and other objects are achieved by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a medical hand covering comprising one or more materials defining an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is suitable for tightly wrapping an adult hand holding a medical device. The medical hand covering may also include an opening at one end of the covering, wherein the opening is suitable for allowing the hand and the medical device to enter the inner cavity. The one or more materials may independently include one or more thermosetting rubbers (e.g., latex, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polyisoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber), all thermoplastic materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), vinyl, low-density polyethylene, spun woven polyethylene (spun woven PE) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The one or more materials may include thermosetting rubber. The material thickness may be about 40 to about 125 μm, typically about 60 μm. The hardness may be about 30 to about 80 Shore A. The elongation at break under DIN EN ISO 527 may be >600%. When using a 60 μm material based on DIN ISO 34-1, B, the tear propagation resistance KN / m can be >40. The one or more materials can include thermoplastic materials, preferably produced by welding profiling and cutting. Such thermoplastic materials can have a material thickness of approximately 30 to 100 μm, preferably approximately 50 μm. The hardness can be approximately 40 to approximately 100 Shore A. The elongation at break under DIN EN ISO 527 can be >400%. Based on DIN ISO 34-1, B, the tear propagation resistance KN / m can be >40 using a 50 μm material. Such thermoplastic materials have a high slip coefficient to reduce "sticking" during wear. The one or more materials can include water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The one or more materials can include bio-based materials to improve eco-credit and performance. All of the above examples of thermoset rubber and thermoplastic materials are more easily cleaned / sterilized in-line using far-UVC at approximately 222 Nm. All of the above examples of thermosetting rubber and thermoplastic materials are more transparent than the thermosetting rubber and thermoplastic materials that do not belong to the above examples. All of the above examples of thermosetting rubber and thermoplastic materials show good UV stability, hydrolysis resistance and microbial resistance. In the case of the above-mentioned thermal examples of thermosetting rubber and thermoplastic materials desired to be produced at high speed, a sacrificial PE carrier film is preferably provided to reduce the stretching during this manufacturing process. Some particularly preferred materials that define one or more materials of the inner cavity of the medical hand cover include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU polyether variant), polyisoprene rubber and / or vinyl because all of these materials are soft, stretchable, hypoallergenic, tear-resistant, bacterial barrier and translucent qualities, and therefore particularly have stretchability and transmit sound at the same time.The one or more materials can be sound-transmitting, in particular with respect to the acoustic performance of the stethoscope as the medical device, preferably, the sound curve of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapping in the medically important frequency range of about 50 Hz to about 2 kHz compared to the stethoscope enclosed in the medical hand cover, wherein almost completely overlapping means that the decibel reduction is less than about 30%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 25%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 20%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 15%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 10%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 8%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 5%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 3%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 1%, or the decibel reduction is less than about 0.5%, or there is essentially no decibel reduction based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range. The one or more materials may be stretchable, in particular the medical hand cover may have a circular or oval cross-section, and preferably the unstretched circumference of the medical hand cover measured from the palm side of an adult hand to the thumb is about 200 mm to about 260 mm, or about 210 mm to about 250 mm, or about 220 mm to about 240 mm, and when the medical hand cover is preferably double-sided and laid flat, the width of each side is preferably about 100 mm to about 150 mm, or about 105 mm to about 125 mm, or about 110 mm to about 120 mm, and when the medical hand cover is oval, its cross-section is preferably about 100 mm to about 150 mm. The cross section is preferably about 130 mm, or about 105 mm to about 125 mm, or about 110 mm to about 120 mm, the cross section being the minor axis plus the major axis, and when the medical hand covering is three-dimensional, preferably when it is removed from the mold after being prepared by mold dipping and curing, the cylindrical cross section is preferably about 65 mm to about 85 mm, or about 68 mm to about 82 mm, or about 70 mm to about 78 mm, and preferably, the stretched circumference is about 2 times, or about 3 times, or about 4 times, or about 5 times, or about 6 times, or about 7 times, or about 8 times, or about 9 times, or about 10 times, or about 11 times, or about 12 times, or about 13 times, or about 14 times, or about 15 times the unstretched circumference. The medical hand covering can be prepared by a dipping and curing method. The medical hand covering can be ambidextrous. The inner cavity can be fingerless. The inner cavity can include a separate inner cavity for the thumb of the separate hand. The medical device may be a stethoscope. The sound quality obtained by using a stethoscope with a medical hand cover may be substantially the same as the sound quality obtained by using a stethoscope without a medical hand cover. The sound quality may include one or more of amplitude, frequency, or decibel level. The opening may also include a cuff bead.

[0008] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a medical hand covering comprising a first surface corresponding to the palm side of an adult hand and a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of an adult hand. The first surface and the second surface may define an inner cavity suitable for tightly enclosing a hand holding a medical device. The medical hand covering may also include an opening at one end of the medical hand covering to allow the hand and the medical device to enter the inner cavity. The first surface may comprise a first material, and the second surface may comprise a second material. The first material may be different from the second material. The first material may be the same as the second material. The first material and the second material may independently comprise one or more thermosetting rubbers (e.g., latex, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polyisoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber), all thermoplastic materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), vinyl, low-density polyethylene, spun-woven PE, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The first surface may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane. The second surface may comprise vinyl or low-density polyethylene or spun-woven PE. The first surface may be transparent or opaque. The first surface may comprise a material that transmits sound. The first surface may comprise a stretchable material. The first surface and / or the second surface may comprise printed characters. The first surface and the second surface may be heat welded and die cut. The medical hand cover may be ambidextrous. The inner cavity may be fingerless. The inner cavity may include a separate inner cavity for separating the thumb of the hand. The medical device may be a stethoscope. The sound quality obtained by a stethoscope used with the medical hand cover may be substantially the same as the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope not used with the medical hand cover. The sound quality may include one or more of amplitude, frequency, or decibel level. The first surface and the second surface may be seamless. The inner cavity may be adapted to tightly enclose a hand holding the medical device in a fist position. The inner cavity may be adapted to tightly enclose both the hand holding the medical device and at least a portion of the medical device grasped by the hand, such as a chestpiece of the stethoscope in the case where the medical device is a stethoscope.

[0009] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for protecting a patient from the transmission of infectious agents. The method may include holding a medical device in a hand and inserting the hand holding the medical device into a medical hand cover according to the embodiments described herein. The medical hand cover may include (A) or (B), wherein (A) may include: a first surface corresponding to the palm side of the hand; a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand; the first and second surfaces defining an inner cavity, the inner cavity being suitable for tightly enclosing the hand holding the medical device; and an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being suitable for allowing the hand and the medical device to enter the inner cavity; and wherein (B) may include: one or more materials defining an inner cavity, the inner cavity being suitable for tightly enclosing an adult hand holding the medical device; and an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being suitable for allowing the hand and the medical device to enter the inner cavity. Fewer infectious agents can be transmitted to surfaces in contact with a hand holding a medical device covered in a medical hand cover than to surfaces in contact with a hand holding a medical device not covered in a medical hand cover.

[0010] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for reducing patient anxiety when being examined with a medical device. The method may include examining a patient with a medical hand cover that covers a hand holding a medical device. The medical hand cover may be any of the ones described herein that include printed characters thereon. The medical hand cover may include (A) or (B), wherein (A) may include: a first surface corresponding to the palm side of the hand; a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand; the first and second surfaces defining an inner cavity that is suitable for tightly covering a hand holding a medical device; and an opening at one end of the cover that is suitable for allowing the hand and the medical device to enter the inner cavity; and wherein the first surface and / or the second surface may include printed characters; and wherein (B) may include: one or more materials defining an inner cavity that is suitable for tightly covering an adult hand holding a medical device; an opening at one end of the cover that is suitable for allowing the hand and the medical device to enter the inner cavity, and wherein the characters may be printed on the one or more materials. A patient who is examined with the hand holding the medical instrument covered in the medical hand cover may experience less anxiety than a patient who is examined with the hand holding the medical instrument not covered in the medical hand cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a medical hand covering. In one embodiment, the method may include dipping a mold into one or more materials in liquid form, and curing the one or more materials coated on the dipped mold to form the medical hand covering. The method may include rotating the dipping mold. The method may include inverting the dipping mold. The method may include printing characters, logos, graphics, or a combination thereof on the medical hand covering. The method may include rolling excess one or more materials into a rolled cuff hem at the opening of the medical hand covering. The method may include ceramic and / or aluminum. In another embodiment, the method may include welding a seam between a first surface corresponding to the palm side of the hand and a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand, and die-cutting the welded seam to form the medical hand covering. The method may include forming the first surface and / or the second surface from a first film and / or a second film, respectively, wherein the first film and / or the second film may include pre-printed characters, logos, graphics, or a combination thereof.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a medical hand cover dispensing device. The dispensing device may include a container defining an interior for storing one or more medical hand covers, and an aperture through which the medical hand covers within the container may be removed. The stack of medical hand covers may be connected in a daisy chain configuration. The stack of medical hand covers may be stored within the container such that the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the back of the hand covered by the medical hand cover faces the exterior of the container. The stack of medical hand covers may be stored within the container such that the end of the medical hand cover proximal to the opening faces the exterior of the container.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a kit comprising one or more of a stack of medical hand covers, a dispensing device, and a medical instrument (eg, a stethoscope).

[0014] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for packaging a plurality of medical hand covers. The method may include stacking the plurality of medical hand covers in a container; winding the plurality of medical hand covers on a roll, spool, or drum; connecting the plurality of medical hand covers in a daisy-chain configuration, or a combination thereof. The method may include flattening the plurality of medical hand covers and placing them in the container. The method may include sterilizing the medical hand covers. Sterilization may include UV sterilization, gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide sterilization (ETO), or a combination thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of dispensing a medical hand cover from a dispensing device. The method may include removing the medical hand cover from a container through a surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the dorsal side of a hand covered by the medical hand cover or through an end of the medical hand cover proximate to an opening, thereby not compromising the sterility of a surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the palm side of the hand covered by the medical hand cover.

[0016] definition

[0017] As used herein, an unqualified noun refers to "one / a kind or more / kinds" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a material" includes a single material as well as a mixture of two or more different materials; and so forth.

[0018] As used herein, the term "about" in connection with a measured amount refers to the normal variation in that measured amount as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art when making the measurements and exercising a level of care commensurate with the purpose of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment. In certain embodiments, the term "about" includes ±10% of the recited number, such that "about 10" would include 9 to 11.

[0019] As used herein, "patient" refers to a subject, particularly a human (but also non-humans), who has clinical manifestations indicating a need for treatment of a particular symptom, is being treated prophylactically for a condition, or has been diagnosed with a condition to be treated.

[0020] The term "subject" encompasses the definition of the term "patient" and does not exclude otherwise healthy individuals.

[0021] The term "treating" includes the administration of an agent to lessen the severity of a condition or to prevent a condition, such as delayed graft function.

[0022] The term "preventing" includes avoiding the onset of a condition, such as delayed graft function.

[0023] "Disorders" refer to those medical conditions, such as anxiety or infection, that can be treated, alleviated, or prevented by administering to a subject an effective amount of an active agent or by taking preventative measures, such as employing sanitary medical coverings for medical devices.

[0024] Unless otherwise stated, the recording of numerical ranges herein is only intended to be used as a shorthand method for referring to each individual value falling within the range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were recorded separately in this article. Unless otherwise noted herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (such as "for example") provided herein is intended only to illustrate certain materials and methods and does not constitute a limitation on the scope. No language in this specification should be interpreted as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for practicing the disclosed materials and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features of the present disclosure, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1A A medical hand covering prepared by mold dipping and curing is shown according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 1B A medical hand covering prepared by welding and die cutting is shown according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 A medical hand cover is shown according to one embodiment, which tightly wraps around a hand holding a stethoscope.

[0029] Figure 3 A medical hand cover is shown having characters printed thereon, according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figures 4A to 4D A mold dipping and curing process for making a medical hand covering is shown according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 A welding and die cutting process for making a medical hand covering is shown according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 The acoustic performance of a stethoscope covered with a medical hand cover according to one embodiment is shown compared to a bare stethoscope and a stethoscope covered with an existing commercial product.

[0033] Figure 7A The waveform of the sound transmitted through a naked stethoscope is shown.

[0034] Figure 7B Shown is the waveform of sound transmitted through a stethoscope encased in a medical hand cover according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7CShown is the waveform of sound transmitted through a stethoscope encased in an existing commercial stethoscope cover. Figures 8A-8E Results from tests of 5 different materials covering the stethoscope head are shown compared to a control test with no covering material to demonstrate acoustic accuracy, with the goal of understanding the degradation of auscultation sound quality using frequency analysis compared to a standard library of cardiopulmonary sounds (here the 3M Littmann auscultation sound library). Figure 9 A summary of sound quality is shown in order of performance, the selection is based on Figures 8A-8E The tests show a qualitative assessment of the accuracy. Figures 10A-10F Shown are test results of stethoscope heads covered with no material and 5 different materials, compared to the aforementioned control test without covering material. The test results show the sound amplitude, aiming to understand the reduction in volume using multiple test materials compared to no material covering the stethoscope head and by using two sound sources. The first heart sound is the sound of a normal heart, and the second sound source is the heart sound of a heart with severe aortic stenosis, both heart sounds are taken from the 3M Littmann auscultation sound library. Figure 11 shows the use of source 1 (ie normal heart sounds) Figures 10A-10F A summary of the test results is shown. Figure 12 The heart sounds of a heart with severe aortic stenosis are shown using source 2. Figures 10A-10F Summary of the tests shown. Figure 13 The test equipment used for all tests shown in Figures 8 to 12 is shown. Unless otherwise stated, all tests in this patent application were performed at room temperature of about 23 degrees Celsius and normal atmospheric pressure of about 1013,25 mbar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention relates to a medical hand cover suitable for tightly covering a hand holding a medical device (i.e., covering both the hand and the medical device when the hand holds the medical device), a method for preparing the same, a method for packaging the same, a method for dispensing the same, a packaging and / or dispensing container for covering the medical hand cover, a method for using the medical hand cover, and a kit containing the medical hand cover.

[0037] Medical hand coverings

[0038] In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes Figure 1AThe medical hand covering shown comprises one or more materials defining an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is suitable for tightly covering an adult hand holding a medical device. The medical hand covering may further comprise an opening 100 at one end of the covering, which is suitable for allowing a hand and a medical device to enter the inner cavity. The medical hand covering according to this embodiment may further comprise a cuff hem 110 surrounding the opening. The medical hand covering according to this embodiment may be prepared by a dipping and curing method, as described below with respect to Figures 4A-4D Described in more detail.

[0039] like Figure 1A The illustrated medical hand cover may have an hourglass shape, characterized by a wider width (portion 120) in the inner portion covering the hand holding the medical device, a narrower width (portion 130) near one end of the opening, and another wider width (portion 140) at the very end where the opening of the medical hand cover is located.

[0040] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes Figure 1B The medical hand cover shown includes a first surface 210 corresponding to the palm side of an adult hand and a second surface 220 corresponding to the back side of an adult hand. The first surface and the second surface may define an inner cavity suitable for tightly enclosing a hand holding a medical device. The medical hand cover may further include an opening 230 at one end of the cover, which is suitable for allowing a hand and a medical device to enter the inner cavity. The medical hand cover according to this embodiment can be prepared by heat welding and die cutting, as described below. Figure 5 Described in more detail, the transition between the first surface and the second surface may be seamless.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the first surface 210 may comprise a first material and the second surface 220 may comprise a second material. The first material and the second material may be the same or different. For example, the first surface may comprise thermoplastic urethane and / or the second surface may comprise vinyl or low-density polyethylene.

[0042] The material forming the medical hand cover can independently include one or more thermosetting rubbers (e.g., latex, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, polyisoprene rubber, neoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber), thermoplastic materials (e.g., polyurethane (TPU), vinyl, low-density polyethylene, spun-woven PE, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)). Thermosetting rubbers are particularly suitable for medical hand covers manufactured by dipping and curing methods. Thermoplastic materials are particularly suitable for medical hand covers manufactured by welding and die-cutting methods. In some embodiments, the material used for the medical hand covers described herein can be warm to the touch and patient-friendly.

[0043] Various considerations may determine the material ultimately selected for a medical hand covering, including but not limited to elasticity, hardness, tactile sensitivity, dexterity, sound transmission, consumer demand (e.g., causing allergic reactions, such as latex allergy, which affects approximately 6.4% of the general population), color, opacity, thickness, ease of processing, stability, etc.

[0044] Suitable thermoplastic materials can have a hardness of about 20 Shore A to about 100 Shore A, about 30 Shore A to about 90 Shore A, or about 40 Shore A to about 85 Shore A. Medical hand coverings comprising thermoplastic materials can have a thickness of about 5 microns to about 150 microns, about 15 microns to about 135 microns, or about 25 microns to about 125 microns.

[0045] Suitable thermoset rubbers may have a hardness of about 10 Shore A to about 90 Shore A, about 20 Shore A to about 75 Shore A, or about 30 Shore A to about 60 Shore A. Medical hand coverings comprising thermoset rubber may have a thickness of about 20 microns to about 200 microns, about 35 microns to about 175 microns, or about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

[0046] Medical devices that can be used with the medical hand coverings described herein include, but are not limited to, stethoscopes, ultrasound probes, acoustic probes, hydrodistention probes, near-infrared probes, etc. Other medical devices that require minimal performance degradation (e.g., less than about 10%, less than about 8%, less than about 5%, less than about 4%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1%) can be used with the medical hand coverings described herein.

[0047] It is crucial to make the medical hand covering soft and conformable enough to allow it to stretch over both the medical device and the hand holding the medical device. Figure 2 As shown, when the medical device is a stethoscope, the medical hand cover 200 should extend over the stethoscope head 250 without restricting the rotation of the stethoscope head to easily position the stethoscope head on the patient (via the medical hand cover). The medical hand cover is designed to enable the physician to hold the medical device (e.g., a stethoscope) in a manner that is natural for the physician. In some embodiments, the medical hand cover can be designed to accommodate the physician holding the medical device (e.g., a stethoscope) in a fist position, with the fingers gripping around the chestpiece, the first and second fingers in a position similar to holding a cigar between the two fingers, or a combination thereof.

[0048] When the medical device is a stethoscope or another medical device used to examine sound waves, it is important to make the medical hand covering from a material that transmits sound so as not to impair the transmission of sound. As used herein, the phrase "transmits sound" refers to a material that does not impair the transmission of sound or only minimally impairs the transmission of sound, as can be measured experimentally or quantitatively based on acoustic impedance, frequency, amplitude, decibel level, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the medical hand covering does not alter the conduction of sound in a spectrum that is medically and diagnostically important, such as in Figure 6 Further examples are given in .

[0049] For similar reasons, it is important that the medical hand cover be made of a stretchable material that tightly fits the hand holding the medical device and allows for fitment of a variety of hand and / or instrument sizes. A loose fit can produce disruptive background noise. The stretchable material can be stretched with pressure over the medical device to form an airtight seal. In some embodiments, the medical hand cover can conform to the medical device (e.g., conform to a stethoscope diaphragm and feel the diaphragm when pressed against the patient's skin). The tight seal allows the medical device to move without generating additional background sounds (e.g., crackles) that could lead to potential misdiagnosis (in some cases, crackles may be an indication of a medical problem).

[0050] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to medical hand covers, wherein the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope used with the medical hand cover is substantially the same as the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope not used with the medical hand cover. The sound quality can be a measure of one or more of amplitude, frequency, or decibel level. For example, the amplitude and / or frequency and / or decibel level of the sound obtained by a stethoscope used with the medical hand cover can be within about 30%, within about 25%, within about 20%, within about 15%, within about 10%, within about 5%, within about 1%, substantially the same, or the same as the amplitude and / or frequency and / or decibel level of the sound obtained by a stethoscope not used with the medical hand cover.

[0051] The inner cavity in the medical hand cover can be fingerless or can include a separate inner cavity for the thumb of the hand and can be adapted to tightly wrap around a hand holding a medical device (e.g., adapted to wrap around a hand holding a medical device in a fist position). In one embodiment, the medical hand cover is ambidextrous.

[0052] In some embodiments, the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the palm side of the hand is transparent or opaque. In certain embodiments, the medical hand cover may also have printed characters (such as Figure 3 shown).

[0053] The medical hand covering can have a circular or oval cross-section. The unstretched circumference of the medical hand covering (measured from the palm side to the thumb) can be about 200 mm to about 260 mm, about 210 mm to about 250 mm, or about 220 mm to about 240 mm. When the medical hand covering is double-sided and laid flat, the width 260 of each side can be about 100 mm to about 150 mm, or about 105 mm to about 125 mm, or about 110 mm to about 120 mm. In embodiments where the medical hand covering is oval, the cross-section (minor axis plus major axis) is about 100 mm to about 130 mm, about 105 mm to about 125 mm, or about 110 mm to about 120 mm. In embodiments where the medical hand covering is three-dimensional (i.e., when removed from the mold after preparation by mold dipping and curing), the cylindrical cross-section 270 is about 65 mm to about 85 mm, about 68 mm to about 82 mm, or about 70 mm to about 78 mm. The stretched circumference can be about 2 times, about 3 times, about 4 times, about 5 times, about 6 times, about 7 times, about 8 times, about 9 times, about 10 times, about 11 times, about 12 times, about 13 times, about 14 times, or about 15 times the unstretched circumference.

[0054] The length 280 of the medical hand cover can be about 100 mm to about 600 mm, about 150 mm to about 550 mm, about 200 mm to about 500 mm, about 220 mm to about 480 mm, about 220 mm to about 240 mm, about 240 mm to about 480 mm, about 300 mm to about 480 mm, about 350 mm to about 480 mm, or about 400 mm to about 480 mm. Longer lengths of the medical hand cover can be designed for sterile applications, etc.

[0055] Manufacturing method

[0056] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to Figure 4A A method for preparing a medical hand covering by dipping a ceramic or aluminum mold into one or more materials in liquid form. The method may further include Figure 4B The method may further comprise rotating the dip mold and / or inverting the dip mold. After the one or more materials have cured, the one or more materials may be cured according to Figure 4C Thus, the method may further include printing characters, logos, graphics, or a combination thereof on the medical hand cover.

[0057] A medical hand covering prepared according to this embodiment can include one or more materials defining an inner cavity adapted to tightly enclose an adult hand holding a medical device. The medical hand covering can also include an opening at one end of the covering adapted to allow a hand and a medical device to enter the inner cavity. Additional material at the open end of the medical hand covering can be rolled into a cuff hem around the opening. The rolled hem cuff can have a natural tendency to spring into a round or oval shape (e.g., molded), which facilitates grasping and separating the glove and inserting the hand and / or medical device.

[0058] The final medical hand covering can be made according to Figure 4D The medical hand covering prepared according to the mold dipping and curing process can be three-dimensional and can be flattened, optionally stacked and packaged (ie, loaded into a container) after being removed from the mold.

[0059] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of making a medical hand cover by welding a seam between a first material and a second material and die cutting the shape of the medical hand cover. The first and second materials can be derived from two reels of first and second flat or pre-printed films, e.g. Figure 5 510 and 520 in. For example, the film can be pre-printed with characters, logos, graphics, or a combination thereof. The first material can form a first surface corresponding to the palm side of the hand. The second material can form a second surface corresponding to the back side of the hand.

[0060] according to Figure 5 In the method shown in part 530, a rotating and reciprocating tool can be used to weld the films of the first and second materials together and profile cut the medical hand covering shape. The first and second materials can be welded together by heat welding, RF welding, or ultrasonic welding. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of suitable tools can be used.

[0061] In some embodiments, according to Figure 5 At part 540 of the method shown in FIG, the waste film material remaining after cutting the shape of the medical hand cover can be stripped off and recycled.

[0062] The medical hand covers produced by the heat welding and die cutting manufacturing method can be flat, making it suitable for stacking multiple medical hand covers in an orderly manner in a packaging container, or winding multiple medical hand covers on a roll, reel, drum, etc. In some embodiments, multiple medical hand covers can be connected in a daisy chain configuration before packaging.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the manufacturing and / or packaging methods described herein can further include sterilizing the medical hand cover prior to packaging. A variety of sterilization methods can be utilized, such as, but not limited to, UV sterilization, gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide sterilization (ETO), or a combination thereof.

[0064] Packaging and dispensing devices

[0065] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a medical hand cover dispensing device. The dispensing device can hold a stack of a plurality of medical hand covers as described herein. The dispensing device can include a container defining an interior for storing the plurality of medical hand covers, and an aperture through which the medical hand covers within the container can be manually removed.

[0066] The container can have a footprint that corresponds to the footprint of the medical hand cover packaged therein. For example, for a medical hand cover having a width of about 100 mm to about 150 mm and a length of about 100 mm to about 600 mm, the container can have a footprint of about 100 mm x 100 mm to about 150 mm x 600 mm; for a medical hand cover having a width of about 110 mm to about 120 mm and a length of about 220 mm to about 240 mm, the container can have a footprint of about 110 mm x 220 mm to about 120 mm x 240 mm. For other medical hand covers having any width and length combination disclosed herein, a suitable container footprint can be similarly derived.

[0067] The depth of the container can vary depending on, for example, the number of medical hand covers packaged therein. In certain embodiments, the depth of the container can be from about 50 mm to about 100 mm, from about 55 mm to about 95 mm, from about 60 mm to about 85 mm, or from about 65 mm to about 75 mm.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the packaging container has a footprint and depth similar to currently available containers for ease of use. For example, the container can be a cardboard box with loosely packed medical hand covers, a pouch with multiple stacked medical hand covers, a disposable sealed pouch with sterile medical hand covers, or a multi-use plastic container containing medical hand covers. The disposable sealed bag can be a portable container designed for portable testing.

[0069] The medical hand covers may be packaged in the dispensing device in a variety of configurations, such as, but not limited to, stacked on top of each other, connected in a daisy chain configuration, loose packed, or combinations thereof.

[0070] In one embodiment, a stack of medical hand covers is stored inside a container so that the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the back of the hand covered by the medical hand cover faces the outside of the container. In this embodiment, a method of dispensing the medical hand cover from a dispensing device may include: removing the medical hand cover from the container (through the hole) via the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the back of the hand covered by the medical hand cover.

[0071] In another embodiment, the stack of medical hand covers is stored inside a container so that the end of the medical hand cover near the opening faces the outside of the container. In this embodiment, the method of dispensing the medical hand cover from the dispensing device may include: removing the medical hand cover from the container through a surface near the opening of the medical hand cover (through the hole).

[0072] The dispensing method described herein is intended to improve logistics, hygiene, and intelligent dispensing by maintaining the sterility of surfaces of the medical hand cover that will contact the patient and / or are closest to the patient during examination (e.g., the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the palm side of the hand covered by the medical hand cover).

[0073] Industrial Applications

[0074] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for protecting a patient from the transmission of infectious agents. The method may include holding a medical device in a hand. The method may further include inserting the hand holding the medical device into any medical hand cover described herein. In certain embodiments, the hand may first be inserted into the medical hand cover (without holding the medical device), and then the medical device may be inserted into the medical hand cover to be held by the hand within the inner cavity of the medical hand cover. In these embodiments, it is conceivable that fewer infectious agents will be transmitted to surfaces in contact with the hand holding the medical device covered in the medical hand cover than to surfaces in contact with the hand holding the medical device not covered in the medical hand cover.

[0075] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for reducing patient anxiety when being examined with a medical device. The method may include examining a patient with any of the medical hand coverings described herein covering a hand holding a medical device, the medical hand covering comprising printed characters thereon (e.g., such as Figure 3 In these embodiments, it is contemplated that a patient who is examined with the hand holding the medical instrument covered in the medical hand cover may experience less anxiety than a patient who is examined with the hand holding the medical instrument not covered in the medical hand cover.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a kit comprising one or more of any of the medical hand cover dispensing devices described herein, any of the medical hand covers described herein (optionally encased in a dispensing device), and a medical device (eg, a stethoscope).

[0077] Example

[0078] The following examples are set forth to aid in the understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as specifically limiting the invention described and claimed herein. These variations of the present invention, including the substitution of any or all equivalents now known or later developed, are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, and changes in formulation or minor changes in treatment design are considered to be within the scope of the invention contained herein.

[0079] The acoustic quality of stethoscopes used with a medical hand cover according to an embodiment was tested. Heart sound transmission from the Michigan University medical library was tested using: A) a Littmann stethoscope, B) a stethoscope covered in a medical hand cover according to an embodiment, and C) a stethoscope covered in a cover marketed as providing sanitary protection. The acoustic performance of the stethoscope alone (A) compared to a stethoscope covered in a cover according to an embodiment (B) and compared to a stethoscope covered in an existing commercial product (C) is plotted in FIG. Figure 6 In. Figure 6 As shown, the sound profile of the bare stethoscope (A) is almost completely overlapped in the medically important frequency range of about 50 Hz to about 2 kHz (or about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz) compared to the stethoscope (B) covered in the medical hand cover described herein. "Almost completely overlapped" means that the decibel reduction is less than about 30%, the decibel reduction is less than about 25%, the decibel reduction is less than about 20%, the decibel reduction is less than about 15%, the decibel reduction is less than about 10%, the decibel reduction is less than about 8%, the decibel reduction is less than about 5%, the decibel reduction is less than about 3%, the decibel reduction is less than about 1%, the decibel reduction is less than about 0.5%, there is essentially no decibel reduction, or there is no decibel reduction (i.e., 0%) based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope (A) at a given frequency value or frequency range. In contrast, Figure 6 The sound curve shows that the decibel level of a stethoscope (C) covered in a prior art cover (stethocap) marketed as providing sanitary protection is reduced in a medically important frequency range compared to a bare stethoscope (A). The medical hand cover described herein does not alter the conduction of sound in a medically or diagnostically important frequency range.

[0080] exist Figure 7A 、 7BThe amplitudes of samples A, B, and C are shown in 7 and 7C, respectively. Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the stethoscope covered in a cover according to one embodiment (Sample B) did not significantly change the acoustic performance relative to the control (i.e., the stethoscope itself (Sample A)). In contrast, the existing commercial product (stethocap, made of rigid, semi-rigid, or porous material) for covering stethoscopes (Sample C) did introduce a popping sound under normal finger pressure. The sound pollution detected with the product tested in Sample C was Figure 7C This acoustic contamination can lead to misdiagnosis. Figures 8A-8E Results from tests of 5 different materials covering the stethoscope head are shown compared to a control test with no covering material to demonstrate acoustic accuracy, with the goal of understanding the degradation of auscultation sound quality using frequency analysis compared to a standard library of cardiopulmonary sounds (here the 3M Littmann auscultation sound library). Figure 8A Shown are a control test with no covering material (upper curve) and a test using spun-woven polyethylene as the covering material for the stethoscope (lower curve). Figure 8B Shown are a control test with no covering material (upper curve) and a test with vinyl (PVC) in the lower curve. Figure 8C Shown are a control test without covering material (upper curve) and a test with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) (lower curve). Figure 8D Shown are a control test with no covering material (upper curve) and a test with polyethylene (LDPE) as the covering material for the stethoscope (lower curve). Figure 8E Shown are control tests of a stethoscope with no covering material (upper curve) and tests of polyisoprene (protein-free latex) as the covering material for covering the stethoscope in the lower curve. Figure 9 A summary of sound quality is shown in order of performance, the selection is based on Figures 8A-8E The tests show a qualitative assessment of the accuracy. Figures 10A-10F Shown is a comparison of the aforementioned control test where no covering material was used, where no material was covered on the stethoscope ( Figure 10A ) and test results of 5 different materials covering the stethoscope head, the test results show the sound amplitude, and are intended to understand the reduction in volume using multiple test materials compared to having no material covering the stethoscope head and using two sound sources, the first heart sound source is the sound of a normal heart, and the second heart sound source is the heart sound of a heart with severe aortic stenosis, both heart sounds are taken from the 3M Littmann auscultation sound library. Figure 10A A control amplitude is shown for a stethoscope without a covering material. Figure 10BA control amplitude is shown in the upper left corner, and the amplitude when spun-woven polyethylene (eg Tyvek) is used as the cover material for the stethoscope is shown in the main figure. Figure 10C A control amplitude without a covering material is shown in the upper left corner, and the amplitude when vinyl (PVC) is used as the covering material for the stethoscope is shown in the main figure. Figure 10D In the upper left corner is shown a control amplitude when no material is used to cover the stethoscope, and in the main figure is shown the resulting amplitude when thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used as the covering material for the stethoscope. Figure 10E The control amplitude for a test without a cover material is shown in the upper left corner, and the amplitude for a test using a polyethylene cover material to cover the stethoscope is shown in the main figure. Figure 10F The control amplitude for a test without covering material is shown in the upper left corner, and the resulting amplitude when the stethoscope was covered with thermoset polyisoprene is shown in the main graph. Figure 11 shows the use of source 1 (ie normal heart sounds) Figures 10A-10F A summary of the test results is shown. Figure 12 The heart sounds of a heart with severe aortic stenosis are shown using source 2. Figures 10A-10F Summary of the test. Figure 13 The test equipment used for all the tests shown in Figures 8-12 is shown. From the tests shown and described in Figures 8-13, the present invention can confirm that the most preferred material for one or more materials is an elastic thermoplastic polyurethane film (TPU). The aforementioned tests shown and described in Figures 8-13 show that the TPU material retains the audible diagnostic information more accurately than the other tested materials and also ensures little loss of volume. In noisy environments, this can be a crucial advantage. In addition, the soft and elastic surface of TPU provides non-abrasive contact with the body. When testing less flexible materials such as PE, positioning movements may introduce crackles, which are symptomatic of heart or lung tissue and can lead to misdiagnosis. TPU performs better when using the softer, quieter and more complex sounds of the severe aortic stenosis sample according to Source 2.

[0081] In the foregoing description, many specific details (such as specific materials, dimensions, process parameters, etc.) are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner. The words "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to represent serving as examples, examples or illustrations. Any aspect or design described herein as an "example" or "example" is not necessarily to be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. On the contrary, the use of the words "example" or "example" is only intended to present concepts in a specific way. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise specified or clearly seen from the context, "X includes A or B" is intended to represent any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X includes A, X includes B, or X includes both A and B, then "X includes A or B" is satisfied in any of the foregoing cases. Throughout the specification, reference to "embodiment", "certain embodiments" or "one embodiment" means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "an embodiment," "certain embodiments," or "one embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0082] The present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. Therefore, the description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Various modifications of the present invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A medical hand cover having an hourglass shape, comprising One or more materials defining an interior cavity adapted to closely enclose an adult hand holding a medical device; and an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being adapted to allow hand and medical instruments to enter the inner cavity, wherein the lumen is fingerless and the medical device is a stethoscope.

2. The medical hand covering according to claim 1, wherein the one or more materials independently comprise one or more selected from the group consisting of: thermosetting rubber, all thermoplastic materials.

3. The medical hand covering of claim 2, wherein the one or more materials comprise a thermoset rubber.

4. The medical hand covering according to claim 2, wherein the thermosetting rubber is selected from the group consisting of latex, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber and neoprene rubber.

5. The medical hand covering of claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from polyisoprene rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), low density polyethylene, spun woven PE, or ethylene and vinyl acetate.

6. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more materials are sound transmitting.

7. The medical hand covering of claim 6, wherein the one or more materials are sound transmitting with respect to acoustic performance as a stethoscope for the medical device.

8. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 30% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

9. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 25% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

10. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of a bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with that of a stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in a medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein almost completely overlapping means that the decibel reduction is less than 20% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

11. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of a bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with that of a stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in a medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein almost completely overlapping means a decibel reduction of less than 15% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

12. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 10% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

13. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein almost completely overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 8% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

14. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 5% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

15. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 3% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

16. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein almost completely overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 1% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

17. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that the decibel reduction is less than 0.5% based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

18. The medical hand cover of claim 6, wherein the sound profile of the bare stethoscope is almost completely overlapped with the sound profile of the stethoscope encased in the medical hand cover in the medically important frequency range of 50 Hz to 2 kHz, wherein the almost complete overlap means that there is substantially no decibel reduction based on the decibel value of the bare stethoscope in the medically important frequency range.

19. The medical hand cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more materials are stretchable, the medical hand cover has a circular or oval cross-section, and the unstretched circumference around the medical hand cover measured from the palmar side of an adult hand to the thumb is 200 mm to 260 mm, and when the medical hand cover is double-sided and laid flat, the width (260) of each side is 100 mm to 150 mm, and when the medical hand cover is oval, its cross-section is 100 mm to 130 mm, the cross-section being the minor axis plus the major axis, and when the medical hand cover is three-dimensional, when it is removed from the mold after being prepared by mold dipping and curing, the cylindrical cross-section (270) is 65 mm to 85 mm, and the stretched circumference is about twice the unstretched circumference.

20. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the unstretched circumference around the medical hand covering measured from the palm side of an adult's hand to the thumb is 210 mm to 250 mm.

21. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the unstretched circumference around the medical hand covering measured from the palm side of an adult's hand to the thumb is 220 mm to 240 mm.

22. The medical hand cover of claim 19, wherein when the medical hand cover is double-sided and laid flat, the width (260) of each side is 105 mm to 125 mm.

23. The medical hand cover of claim 19, wherein when the medical hand cover is double-sided and laid flat, the width (260) of each side is 110 mm to 120 mm.

24. The medical hand cover of claim 19, wherein when the medical hand cover is oval, its cross-section is 105 mm to 125 mm.

25. The medical hand cover according to claim 19, wherein when the medical hand cover is oval, its cross-section is 110 mm to 120 mm.

26. The medical hand covering according to claim 19, wherein when the medical hand covering is three-dimensional, when it is taken out of a mold after being prepared by mold dipping and curing, the cylindrical cross section (270) is 68 mm to 82 mm.

27. The medical hand covering according to claim 19, wherein when the medical hand covering is three-dimensional, when it is taken out of a mold after being prepared by mold dipping and curing, the cylindrical cross section (270) is 70 mm to 78 mm.

28. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 3 times the unstretched circumference.

29. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 4 times the unstretched circumference.

30. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 5 times the unstretched circumference.

31. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 6 times the unstretched circumference.

32. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 7 times the unstretched circumference.

33. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 8 times the unstretched circumference.

34. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 9 times the unstretched circumference.

35. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 10 times the unstretched circumference.

36. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 11 times the unstretched circumference.

37. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 12 times the unstretched circumference.

38. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 13 times the unstretched circumference.

39. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 14 times the unstretched circumference.

40. The medical hand covering of claim 19, wherein the stretched circumference is about 15 times the unstretched circumference.

41. The medical hand covering according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is prepared by a dipping and curing method.

42. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the medical hand covering is ambidextrous.

43. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner cavity comprises a separate inner cavity for the thumb of a separate hand.

44. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope used with the medical hand covering is substantially the same as the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope used without the medical hand covering.

45. The medical hand covering of claim 44, wherein the sound quality comprises one or more of amplitude, frequency, or decibel level.

46. ​​The medical hand covering of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening further comprises a cuff hem.

47. A medical hand cover having an hourglass shape comprising a first surface corresponding to the palm side of an adult's hand; a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand; The first surface and the second surface define an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is suitable for tightly covering a hand holding a medical device; as well as an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being adapted to allow hand and medical instruments to enter the inner cavity, wherein the lumen is fingerless and the medical device is a stethoscope.

48. The medical hand covering of claim 47, wherein the first surface comprises a first material and the second surface comprises a second material.

49. The medical hand covering of claim 48, wherein the first material is different from the second material.

50. The medical hand covering of claim 48, wherein the first material and the second material are the same.

51. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the first material and the second material independently comprise one or more selected from the group consisting of: thermosetting rubber, all thermoplastic materials.

52. The medical hand covering of claim 51, wherein the thermoset rubber is selected from the group consisting of latex, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, and neoprene rubber.

53. The medical hand covering of claim 51 , wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from polyisoprene rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), low density polyethylene, spun woven PE, or ethylene and vinyl acetate.

54. The medical hand covering of claim 51, wherein the first surface comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

55. The medical hand cover of claim 51 , wherein the second surface comprises low density polyethylene.

56. The medical hand cover of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the first surface is transparent or opaque.

57. The medical hand cover of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the first surface comprises a sound transmitting material.

58. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the first surface comprises a stretchable material.

59. The medical hand cover of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the first surface and / or the second surface comprises printed characters.

60. The medical hand cover of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the first surface and the second surface are heat welded and die cut.

61. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the medical hand covering is ambidextrous.

62. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the inner cavity comprises a separate inner cavity for the thumb of a separate hand.

63. The medical hand covering of claim 47, wherein the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope used with the medical hand covering is substantially the same as the sound quality obtained by a stethoscope used without the medical hand covering.

64. The medical hand covering of claim 63, wherein the sound quality comprises one or more of amplitude, frequency, or decibel level.

65. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the first surface and the second surface are seamless.

66. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the inner cavity is adapted to tightly encase a hand holding the stethoscope in a fist position.

67. The medical hand covering of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the inner cavity is adapted to closely encase both a hand holding the stethoscope and at least a portion of the stethoscope grasped by the hand.

68. The medical hand covering of claim 67, wherein the portion is a chest piece of the stethoscope.

69. A method for protecting a patient from transmission of an infectious agent, comprising Hold the medical device in your hand; inserting the hand holding the medical instrument into the medical hand cover, the medical hand cover having an hourglass shape, wherein the medical hand covering comprises (A) or (B), Where (A) includes: a first surface corresponding to a palmar side of the hand; a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand; The first surface and the second surface define an inner cavity, and the inner cavity is suitable for tightly covering a hand holding the medical device; as well as an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being adapted to allow hand and medical instrument access to the interior cavity; and Where (B) includes: One or more materials defining an interior cavity adapted to closely enclose an adult hand holding a medical device; and an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being adapted to allow hand and medical instruments to enter the inner cavity, wherein the lumen is fingerless and the medical device is a stethoscope.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein fewer infectious agents are transmitted to surfaces contacted by a hand holding a medical device covered in the medical hand cover than to surfaces contacted by a hand holding a medical device not covered in the medical hand cover.

71. A method of reducing patient anxiety during examination with a medical device, the method comprising examining the patient with a medical hand covering covering a hand holding the medical device, the medical hand covering having an hourglass shape, wherein the medical hand covering comprises (A) or (B), Where (A) includes: a first surface corresponding to a palmar side of the hand; a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand; The first surface and the second surface define an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is suitable for tightly covering a hand holding a medical device; and an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being adapted to allow hand and medical instrument access to the interior cavity; and wherein the first surface and the second surface contain printed characters; and Where (B) includes: One or more materials defining an interior cavity adapted to tightly enclose an adult hand holding a medical device; an opening at one end of the cover, the opening being adapted to allow hand and medical instruments to enter the interior cavity, and wherein characters are printed on said one or more materials, wherein the lumen is fingerless and the medical device is a stethoscope.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein a patient examined with the hand holding the medical device encased in the medical hand cover experiences less anxiety than a patient examined with the hand holding the medical device not encased in the medical hand cover.

73. A kit comprising a stack of medical hand coverings according to any one of claims 1 to 68 and a stethoscope.

74. A method of making a medical hand cover according to any one of claims 47 to 68, comprising heat welding a seam between a first surface corresponding to the palm side of the hand and a second surface corresponding to the dorsal side of the hand, and die cutting the heat welded seam to form the medical hand cover.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein the first surface and / or the second surface are formed from a first film and / or a second film, respectively, wherein the first film and / or the second film comprises a pre-printed graphic.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the first film and / or the second film comprises pre-printed characters, logos, or a combination thereof.

77. A method of preparing a medical hand cover according to any one of claims 1 to 46, comprising dipping a mold into one or more materials, the one or more materials being in liquid form, and curing the one or more materials coated on the dipped mold to form the medical hand cover.

78. The method of claim 77, comprising rotating the dip mold.

79. A method according to any one of claims 77 to 78, comprising inverting the dip mould.

80. The method of any one of claims 77 to 78, comprising printing graphics on the medical hand cover.

81. The method of any one of claims 77 to 78, comprising printing characters, logos, or a combination thereof on the medical hand cover.

82. The method of any one of claims 77 to 78, comprising rolling excess one or more materials into a rolled cuff hem at the opening of the medical hand covering.

83. The method of any one of claims 77 to 78, wherein the mold comprises ceramic and / or aluminum.

84. A method of packaging a plurality of medical hand covers prepared by the method of any one of claims 77 to 83, comprising flattening the plurality of medical hand covers and placing them into a container.

85. The method of any one of claims 74-76 and 77-78, further comprising sterilizing the medical hand cover.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein sterilization comprises UV sterilization, gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide sterilization, or a combination thereof.

87. A method for dispensing the medical hand cover according to any one of claims 1 to 68 from a medical hand cover dispensing device, the method comprising removing the medical hand cover from a container through the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the back side of the hand covered by the medical hand cover or through an end of the medical hand cover close to the opening, so as not to reduce the sterility of the surface of the medical hand cover corresponding to the palm side of the hand covered by the medical hand cover.

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