latex gloves

Wearing gloves in healthcare settings reduces hand contamination by 70 to 80 percent, prevents cross-contamination and protects patients and healthcare personnel from infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's why it's important for users to ensure their habits don't interfere with medical glove performance.

The barrier protection level of medical gloves can be reduced by daily practices, ranging from choosing the wrong type and size of glove to personal habits. Here's a description of some basic, but important factors glove wearers should keep in mind:

1. Choice of Material - Make sure you know the base material of the glove before choosing and donning. Never rely solely on the glove's color to determine if it is appropriate for the task at hand. To be on the safe side, always read the manufacturer's labeling and testing information when making glove selections.

2. Selection of Glove Size - Medical gloves that are too small can cause the hand to tire, while those that are too large can result in a loss of grip and sensitivity. Gloves should have the proper length, width, finger contour and thumb positioning to properly fit the hands.

3. Donning - When donning gloves, avoid excessive stretching because this can result in ripping and puncturing. To make donning easier, you should dry hands completely before placing them inside each glove.

4. Length of Glove Wear - Medical gloves become more likely to tear and rip the longer they are worn. Changing gloves during rigorous, long or critical procedures can help reduce bacterial contamination.

5. Double Gloving - Wearing two pairs of gloves can significantly reduce the penetration of contaminated sharp objects through to the skin. This practice should be considered in high-risk situations or as required by the policy of the facility.

6. Jewelry and Long Fingernails - Jewelry can easily snag, rip and puncture medical gloves. It can also trap soap, disinfectants and other substances that can irritate the skin, as well as harbor infectious microorganisms. Long fingernails also can tear gloves and collect microorganisms. Short nails are recommended.

7. Storage - Medical glove materials can be affected by heat, light, moisture and various types of electrical equipment. To avoid degradation, gloves should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light and electrical generating equipment.

8. Skin Condition - Healthy, unbroken skin is an essential factor in reducing cross-contamination in healthcare environments. Select gloves that are not prone to producing skin irritations or allergic reactions. Try to avoid direct contact with strong chemicals and use only mild soaps and lotions that are less likely to cause dermatitis. The open sores and cracks that result from dermatitis provide entry routes for infectious organisms.



9. Handwashing - Handwashing is a must for all healthcare workers. To minimize dermatitis that may be caused by frequent handwashing, use mild soaps and lukewarm water, rinse hands thoroughly and dry them completely before donning medical gloves.



10. Hand Sanitizers and Lotions - The alcohol in hand sanitizers can degrade glove material. Therefore, hand sanitizers should be allowed to dry on the hands before gloves are donned. Likewise, lotions and creams containing oils can weaken glove material. If possible, avoid wearing them under gloves.



11. Contact - Always pay attention to what is coming in contact with contaminated medical gloves. Avoid touching the hair, face or clothing, as microorganisms can be left behind and transferred to others.



When properly used, medical gloves provide an essential level of protection for healthcare workers and their patients, especially if these important 11 factors are kept in mind.



Irene Perez works for Don The Glove Industries, a division of Handgards Inc. She is one of the company's authorities on medical gloves and a frequent contributor to the company's online resource centers. If you thought this article was helpful, explore additional articles now at:
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