Disposable gloves are recommended for tasks involving contact with bodily fluids or broken skin to prevent the spread of bacteria. Studies have shown gloves reduce hand contamination but gloves can become contaminated themselves and spread bacteria if not removed after each task. An observation study found gloves were often worn when not needed and hand hygiene compliance after removing gloves was only 51.5%, showing gloves can promote poor hand hygiene practices and microbial transmission if misused. Gloves should only be worn for tasks with likely exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated items based on a risk assessment.
Disposable gloves are recommended for tasks involving contact with bodily fluids or broken skin to prevent the spread of bacteria. Studies have shown gloves reduce hand contamination but gloves can become contaminated themselves and spread bacteria if not removed after each task. An observation study found gloves were often worn when not needed and hand hygiene compliance after removing gloves was only 51.5%, showing gloves can promote poor hand hygiene practices and microbial transmission if misused. Gloves should only be worn for tasks with likely exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated items based on a risk assessment.
Original Description:
An overview of disposable gloves and when and when not to use them
Disposable gloves are recommended for tasks involving contact with bodily fluids or broken skin to prevent the spread of bacteria. Studies have shown gloves reduce hand contamination but gloves can become contaminated themselves and spread bacteria if not removed after each task. An observation study found gloves were often worn when not needed and hand hygiene compliance after removing gloves was only 51.5%, showing gloves can promote poor hand hygiene practices and microbial transmission if misused. Gloves should only be worn for tasks with likely exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated items based on a risk assessment.
Disposable gloves are recommended for tasks involving contact with bodily fluids or broken skin to prevent the spread of bacteria. Studies have shown gloves reduce hand contamination but gloves can become contaminated themselves and spread bacteria if not removed after each task. An observation study found gloves were often worn when not needed and hand hygiene compliance after removing gloves was only 51.5%, showing gloves can promote poor hand hygiene practices and microbial transmission if misused. Gloves should only be worn for tasks with likely exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated items based on a risk assessment.
59 of gloves were contaminated with the Disposable gloves are recommended same bacteria infecting the for use during contact with bodily patient. fluids, blood, mucous membranes or broken skin of patients. Gloves should be worn following a risk assessment of the task to be carried out:
Studies have shown that wearing gloves is associated with a marked Social contact with patients reduction in bacterial al contamination of Bed bathing patients(unless the hands. However, if gloves are not patient has a infectious removed after every use they become conditions e.g. MRSA) a second skin and may expose Handling linen(unless patients to the risk of cross infection. contaminated with bodily fluids) Entering an isolation A recent observation study into the use room(unless task involves and misuse of gloves involving a 980 exposure to bodily fluids, bed teaching hospital found: contaminated objects, or there are specific instructions to do Gloves werere worn when not so) required for 42% % of task Leaving isolation room/patient’s undertaken bedside. Compliance with hand hygiene after removal of gloves was References: 51.5% Girou, E., Chai, S. H. T., Oppein, F., Legrand, 82% of contacts requiring P., Ducellier, D., Cizeau, F. and Brun-Buisson, Brun aseptic techniques were C. (2004) Misuse of gloves: the foundation for performed with gloves that had poor compliance with hand d hygiene and not been removed af after potential for microbial transmission? Journal of previous care. Hospital Infection.. Vol 57 (2) May 18th, pp 162-169.