W.L. Gore and Associates recently developed a protective fabric, named Assist, that is certified to meet the garment material requirements of the United States National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). During normal use, Assist prevents blood and other body fluids from contacting the wearer's skin. Therfore, Gore plans to market Assist to police, fire, and ambulance servies, whose personnel increasingly require protection against blood borne pathogens. It is anticipated that workers who handle corrosives and other dangerous substances will also express interst in Assist. Assist passes the ASTM E22 bacteriophage test -- it prevents transmission of the hepatits virus and HIV--and complies with NFPA Standard 1999. Assist comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane sandwiched between inner and outer polyester or Nomex layers. The membrane has a filter efficiency of 99.9999 percent at a thickness of 0.1 micron