The use of medical gloves is a foundational pillar of infection control in all healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to long-term care facilities. As part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gloves serve as a critical barrier, protecting both the healthcare worker and the patient from the potential transmission of infectious agents. However, their effectiveness hinges entirely on appropriate selection and proper usage. Misuse can, ironically, increase the risk of cross-contamination.
Why Gloves Are Essential in Healthcare
Medical gloves are indispensable tools, recommended for two primary reasons:
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Protecting the Healthcare Worker (HCW): Gloves reduce the risk of the HCW's hands becoming contaminated with blood, body fluids (such as urine, feces, saliva, etc.), mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or surfaces and equipment contaminated by infectious agents.
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Protecting the Patient and Environment: Gloves reduce the risk of germ dissemination to the environment and the transmission of microorganisms from the HCW to the patient, from the patient to the HCW, and between patients.
When to Wear Gloves
A Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) should always guide glove use. Gloves are indicated when it can be reasonably anticipated that contact with the following will occur:
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Blood or other body fluids.
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Mucous membranes.
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Non-intact skin (e.g., wounds, abrasions).
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Potentially infectious material or contaminated equipment/surfaces.
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During invasive procedures (e.g., surgery, catheter insertion).
The Crucial Role of Hand Hygiene: Gloves are NOT a Substitute
One of the most critical aspects of glove use is the understanding that hand hygiene is NOT unnecessary if gloves were worn. This is a dangerous misconception.
Gloves can have microscopic defects or tears, and contamination can occur on the hands during the process of glove removal (doffing). Therefore, the simple but vital rule is:
Perform hand hygiene immediately BEFORE donning gloves AND immediately AFTER removing gloves.
Using gloves inappropriately or excessively can lead to missed opportunities for hand hygiene and actually increase the risk of infection transmission. Gloves should always be single-use and task-specific. They must be removed and hand hygiene performed before moving from one body site to another on the same patient or between different patients.
Types of Gloves in Medical Settings
Medical gloves are classified into two main types and manufactured from various materials, each with specific properties:
1. By Purpose
|
Type of Glove |
Key Characteristics |
Typical Use |
|
Examination Gloves |
Non-sterile (most common) or sterile. Come in sizes (XS, S, M, L). |
Routine patient care, medical examinations, handling contaminated items. |
|
Surgical Gloves |
Sterile, precise sizing, higher quality, better fit, and sensitivity. |
Surgical and other invasive procedures requiring maintenance of a sterile field and exceptional dexterity. |
2. By Material
|
Material |
Key Features |
Advantages & Considerations |
|
Latex (Natural Rubber) |
High elasticity, strength, excellent tactile sensitivity, comfortable fit. |
Good for procedures requiring fine motor skills. Risk of latex allergies—not suitable for all. |
|
Nitrile (Synthetic Rubber) |
Latex-free, durable, excellent puncture and chemical resistance. |
Most widely used alternative to latex. Good for high-risk procedures or handling chemicals. |
|
Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride - PVC) |
Latex-free, loose-fitting, cost-effective. |
Less durable and protective than latex or nitrile; suitable for low-risk, short-duration tasks (e.g., minimal exposure to body fluids). |
Guide for Buying Disposable Gloves
When selecting disposable gloves for a healthcare facility, consider the following:
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Risk Assessment: Choose the glove material and type based on the procedure (e.g., nitrile for chemical resistance, sterile for surgery).
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Allergies: Prioritize non-latex (nitrile or vinyl) options, or ensure latex-free alternatives are readily available to prevent allergic reactions in staff and patients.
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Quality Standards: Select gloves that meet recognized compliance standards for quality and barrier properties (e.g., FDA-approved, European EN standards).
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Fit and Comfort: Gloves must be the correct size to ensure dexterity and prevent tearing or contamination.
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Powder-Free: Powdered gloves are generally banned or discouraged in healthcare settings as the powder can act as a carrier for allergens and interfere with wound healing.
Proper Technique for Glove Usage
Correct technique is paramount to maximize the protective barrier and prevent self-contamination or cross-transmission.
Donning (Putting On) Gloves
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Perform hand hygiene (wash hands or use alcohol-based hand rub).
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Select the correct size and type of glove.
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Place the gloves on, ensuring a snug fit and that the glove cuffs cover the wrists or the cuffs of a gown (if worn).
Doffing (Taking Off) Gloves
The safe removal of gloves is critical to prevent contamination of the hands.
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Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist with the opposite gloved hand.
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Peel the glove off, turning it inside out, and hold the removed glove in the gloved hand.
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Slide the fingers of the ungloved hand under the remaining glove at the wrist (touching only the clean, inside surface).
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Peel the second glove off over the first glove, turning it inside out. The contaminated surfaces are now safely contained inside the inverted gloves.
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Discard immediately in the appropriate waste container.
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Perform hand hygiene immediately after removal.
Proper glove use, combined with strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols, forms an unbreakable defensive line against the spread of germs, ensuring a safer environment for everyone in the healthcare setting.