Re-use of the female condom (3)
-------------------------------
Thanks to Mary for commenting on the Reproductive Health Research
Unit/UNIADS/WHO re-use studies. At present the project is looking at
In vitro:
1) Structural integrity after multiple washing and drying
2) Microbial retention after multiple washing and drying
3) Viral permeability after multiple washing and drying
In vivo:
4) Structural integrity after use, washing and drying
5) Microbial retention after use, washing and drying
6) Viral retention after use, washing and drying
We will have some preliminary results available at the Geneva AIDS con-
ference.
I think that the issue of re-use is essential if we are to widen dis-
tribution in developing countries: this is a well engineered product
which could well be re-usable. The body of knowledge on re-use which is
being built up by our work and FHI's will be very valuable. We should
remember that diaphragm "re-use" has never really been examined in the
same way, especially with regard to microbial retention.
I will be including some of this work in a symposium talk at Geneva and
would welcome any comments or other experience from people to refer to
in this talk, especially if there is other work on poster presentations
in Geneva to which we can direct delegates.
James McIntyre
Reproductive Health Research Unit
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
PO BERTSHAM, 2013
South Africa
Tel & Fax: +27-11-938-1534
mailto:mcintyre@pixie.co.za
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