Proper glove use is fundamental for preventing contamination and protecting the wearer from injury or exposure to harmful substances. Gloves serve as a primary physical barrier, but their effectiveness depends entirely on how they are chosen, put on, worn, and removed. This comprehensive approach ensures the protective barrier functions as intended.
Selecting the Right Glove Type
Proper glove use starts with selecting the correct material for the task. The three most common disposable glove materials—latex, nitrile, and vinyl—each suit different applications. Latex, derived from natural rubber, offers excellent elasticity and tactile sensitivity, making it a frequent choice for medical procedures requiring fine dexterity, though it poses an allergy risk.
Nitrile gloves, made from a synthetic rubber compound, are latex-free and exhibit superior resistance to punctures and a wider range of chemicals, including petroleum-based products. This durability makes nitrile suitable for laboratory work, cleaning with harsh agents, and automotive tasks. Vinyl gloves, constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are the most economical option and are best suited for short-term, low-risk tasks like food preparation or light cleaning, as they offer less chemical resistance and are more prone to tearing.
Selecting the correct size is equally important for safety and performance. Gloves that are too large compromise dexterity and increase the risk of losing grip. Conversely, gloves that are too small restrict movement and blood circulation, and the overstretched material is more susceptible to tearing or developing pinholes. A correct, snug fit allows for unrestricted movement and maintains the protective function of the glove.
Step-by-Step Guide to Donning Gloves
Before donning gloves, a thorough hand hygiene routine must be completed, as wearing gloves does not replace hand cleaning. Microorganisms can multiply rapidly inside the glove, potentially contaminating the hands if the glove tears or is removed improperly. Hands should be washed with soap and water or treated with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until completely dry before starting.
Once hands are clean and dry, inspect the gloves for any tears or defects that could breach the barrier. To don the first glove, hold it by the cuff, avoiding the exterior surface. Gently slide the hand into the glove, pulling the cuff up to cover the wrist and ensuring the glove is positioned smoothly.
To put on the second glove, use the gloved hand to slide fingers underneath the cuff of the clean second glove, touching only the clean exterior surface. This technique prevents the bare hand from contaminating the protective barrier. Guide the second hand into the glove, and adjust both cuffs to securely cover the wrists.
Protocols for Preventing Cross-Contamination
Maintaining a disciplined approach is necessary to prevent the transfer of contaminants once gloves are on. The fundamental rule is to avoid touching non-contaminated surfaces, such as door handles, phones, or one’s own face, while wearing soiled gloves. Contaminated gloves can spread pathogens to these clean surfaces, creating a source of infection.
Gloves must be changed immediately under specific circumstances to stop the chain of contamination. They should be discarded the moment they are visibly soiled, punctured, or torn, as any breach compromises the barrier. Gloves must also be changed when moving between different tasks, such as switching from handling raw meat to ready-to-eat food, or moving from a contaminated body site to a cleaner one on the same individual.
It is also necessary to change gloves and perform hand hygiene when moving between different individuals, such as patients or customers. Single-use disposable gloves should never be washed, disinfected, or reused, as cleaning them can damage the material and create channels for microbes. Adherence to a “clean-to-dirty” workflow, performing the cleanest tasks first, further minimizes the risk of spreading contamination.
Safe Removal (Doffing) and Disposal
The final stage of glove use, known as doffing, is a high-risk activity where self-contamination is likely if the process is not followed precisely. First, grasp the outside edge of one glove near the wrist with the opposite gloved hand, ensuring only exterior surfaces touch. Peel the glove away from the hand, turning it inside out as it is removed.
Hold this first, inside-out glove securely in the palm of the remaining gloved hand. Slide the ungloved finger underneath the cuff of the second glove, touching only the clean interior surface near the wrist. Peel the second glove off, turning it inside out, simultaneously enclosing the first glove within the second to create a contained bundle.
Dispose of this bundle immediately into the appropriate waste receptacle without touching the outside of the bin. Since microorganisms can transfer to the hands during doffing, the final step is performing hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer. This cleansing step eliminates any residual contamination acquired during glove removal.