3M Health Care now offers the only surgical clipper on the market with a fixed disposable blade assembly that can be operated by either rechargeable battery or electrical cord. The company will introduce the new product at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) conference next week in Chicago, Ill.

The versatile 3M surgical clipper is the first surgical clipper for full body and head hair removal that offers continuous, fail-safe operation because battery run-time is not an issue with the option of corded operation. So whether hair removal time is expected to be long or short, one clipper, battery- or cord-operated, is all that is needed to do the job.

"It used to be that the decision was between preoperative shaving or clipping. Clipping is recommended because it results in fewer cuts and lower infection rates than shaving," said Craig Wadzink, marketing manager, Medical Division, 3M Health Care. "3M brought the first surgical clipper to market, and now we've eliminated the decision of whether to purchase corded or battery-operated surgical clippers, or both. By providing the prep team with the reliability of a corded clipper and the convenience of a battery-operated model all in one, the team never has to be without a dependable method to clip hair."

The 3M clipper 9671 with fixed head is both clinically proven and cost-effective. Unlike other brands that have their cutting blade on the bottom, close to the patient's skin, the cutting blade of the 3M clipper 9671 is on the top, away from the skin, so there is less risk of nicks, cuts and possible infection. It can be used in either a raking or pushing motion to remove all types of head or body hair - fine or coarse, wet or dry - as close as any surgical clipper available.

The single-use blade assembly is fixed (nonrotating) and easy to attach and remove. Ergonomically designed with a nonslip grip, the clipper is compact, lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand. The NiMH battery charges continuously during corded operation. A light indicates when it is in charging mode.

The new 3M clipper 9671, with a one-year warranty that is the most extensive in the industry, is just one of many reliable infection prevention products offered by 3M Health Care. 3M also offers tips on proper clipping techniques and other infection prevention programs.

About 3M

3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; health care; industrial; safety, security and protection services; transportation and other businesses. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M, go to www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.

3M is a trademark of 3M Company.

3M, St. PaulTom Engquist, 651/733-7495Fax: 651/737-7679