Development of Medical Textile Market
Robert Czajka
Technical University of Łódź Faculty of Textile Engineering and Marketing Institute of World Economy and Textile Marketing ul. Żeromskiego 116, 90-543 Łódź, Poland
Development of Medical Textile Market
Abstract The aim of this paper is to present the harmonisation of the global medical textile market and the categories of medical textiles based on their applications. The paper also contains an analysis of some trends in the foreign trade of medical textiles on the world economy. Key words: textiles, Global Harmonisation Task Force, categories, medical textiles, healthcare sector.
important and growing part of the textile industry. In 2004, the number of people aged over 60 amounts to 40% of the entire population. In 1980, only 22% of the Europeans belonged to this group age. Textiles represent an absolutely ideal interface between man and medical treatment facilities, and it would be a loss not to make use of the possibilities they offer [1].
n Harmonisation Global Market of Medical Devices Including Medical Textiles
The world medical devices market is represented by the Global Harmonisation Task Force (GHTF). The GHTF is comprised of representatives from five founding members (the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan). They are grouped into three geographical areas: Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, each of which actively regulates medical devices using their own individual regulatory framework [2]. The GHTF views harmonisation as a way of defining common regulatory approaches for medical devices at a international level. The GHTF has identified as a priority the need to harmonise the documentation of evidence of conformity to regulatory requirements. Differences in documentation requirements necessitate additional work for the same device in different jurisdictions. As a result, the costs increase and barriers in international access to medical devices between countries arise. These barriers also have an
Technical University of Łódź Faculty of Textile Engineering and Marketing Institute of World Economy and Textile Marketing ul. Żeromskiego 116, 90-543 Łódź, Poland
Development of Medical Textile Market
Abstract The aim of this paper is to present the harmonisation of the global medical textile market and the categories of medical textiles based on their applications. The paper also contains an analysis of some trends in the foreign trade of medical textiles on the world economy. Key words: textiles, Global Harmonisation Task Force, categories, medical textiles, healthcare sector.
important and growing part of the textile industry. In 2004, the number of people aged over 60 amounts to 40% of the entire population. In 1980, only 22% of the Europeans belonged to this group age. Textiles represent an absolutely ideal interface between man and medical treatment facilities, and it would be a loss not to make use of the possibilities they offer [1].
n Harmonisation Global Market of Medical Devices Including Medical Textiles
The world medical devices market is represented by the Global Harmonisation Task Force (GHTF). The GHTF is comprised of representatives from five founding members (the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan). They are grouped into three geographical areas: Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, each of which actively regulates medical devices using their own individual regulatory framework [2]. The GHTF views harmonisation as a way of defining common regulatory approaches for medical devices at a international level. The GHTF has identified as a priority the need to harmonise the documentation of evidence of conformity to regulatory requirements. Differences in documentation requirements necessitate additional work for the same device in different jurisdictions. As a result, the costs increase and barriers in international access to medical devices between countries arise. These barriers also have an
References: 1. D. Höfer, M. Swerev, ‘The Future of Medical Textiles: High-tech For the Well-being of the Patient’, Journal of Textiles and Apparel, Technology and Management, 2003. 2. ‘Global Harmonisations Task Force (GHTF)’, AHWP Technical Committee Meeting and Workshop, Malaysia, 2001. 3. ‘GHTF Summary Technical Documentation’, Asia Harmonization Working Party Technical Committee, Bangkok, 2002. 4. ’Risk-based Classification of Medical Devices in the European Union (GHTF): Point of View from a Notified Body’, 3rd AHWP Technical Committee Meeting, Taipei, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), 2004. 5. S. Anand, ‘Medical Textiles’, Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Abington, 2001. 6. ‘Opportunities for healthcare and medical textiles growth’, Technical Textiles International, 2003. 7. ‘Technical Textiles and Industrial Nonwovens: World Market Forecast to 2001’, article taken from DRA Service http: //www.davidrigbyassociates.com 8. A. Fischer, G. Fischer, ’Composite materials in healthcare and wound management’ Technical Textiles International, Vol. 12, 2003. 9. ‘The future of the textiles and clothing sector in the enlarged European Union’, Commission of the European Communities, Brussels, 2003. 10. S. Rajendran and S.C. Anand, ‘Development in Medical Textiles’, Textile Progress, 2002, pp.10-13. 11. ‘NWDA Northwest Textile Cluster, Mapping Project’, DRA, 2001. Received 07.06.2004 Reviewed 19.07.2004 Table 3. Extracorporeal devices (from Rajendran et al. [10]). Type Fibre Hollow polyester fibre, hollow viscose Hollow viscose Hollow polypropylene fibre, hollow silicone membrane Application Artificial kidney Artificial liver Mechanical lung Function Remove waste products from patients’ blood Separate and dispose of patients’ plasma and supply fresh plasma Remove carbon dioxide from patients’ blood and supply fresh oxygen Table 4. Healthcare/hygiene products (from Rajendran et al. [10]). Fibre Type Cotton, polyester fibre, polypropylene fibre, Viscose Viscose, polyester fibre, glass fibre Polyester fibre, polyethylene fibre, Cotton, polyester fibre, polyamide fibre, elastomeric-fibre yarns Cotton, polyester fibre Cotton Cotton, polyester fibre Polyester fibre, polypropylene fibre Superabsorbent fibres, wood fluff, Polyetylene fibre, Viscose, lyocell Fabric Structure Woven, nonwoven Nonwoven Nonwoven Woven, nonwoven Knitted Woven, knitted Woven Woven Nonwoven Nonwoven Nonwoven Nonwoven Application Surgical gowns Surgical caps Surgical masks Surgical drapes, cloths Surgical hosiery Blankets Sheets, pillowcases Uniforms Protective clothing, incontinence, diaper/sheet, coverstock Absorbent layer Outer layer Cloths/wipes FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe January / March 2005, Vol. 13, No. 1 (49) 15