All healthcare professionals must wear official medical-grade gloves while carrying out their work. One of the most successful strategies for safeguarding patients and caregivers from transmittable bacteria is the proper use of PPE. This process is especially essential when no experimental cure has been established. When it comes to protecting chemical compounds, leakage, body fluid, or infection, using gloves is a suitable option.
Gloves are primarily used to safeguard hands from contamination with organic matter, bacteria, and viruses and lower the risk of bacteria transmission to patients and staff. The choice to wear gloves, along with the kinds of gloves used, is determined by assessing the dangers involved with the medical activity.
Types of Gloves Used in Hospitals
Exam gloves and surgical gloves are the two types of medical gloves on the market. Exam gloves are designed to safeguard the skin while restricting any bacteria or virus transmission between the caregiver and the patient. Surgical gloves are worn by surgeons and other medical professionals who come in touch with blood, viruses, sharp instruments, and possibly harmful objects.
Latex gloves, nitrile gloves, and vinyl gloves are the most popular types of disposable gloves. However, the degree of safety, comfort, and longevity varies according to the kind of glove.
Latex gloves
Latex gloves are made of rubber latex, a natural material. Because of their value, longevity, and versatility, many users find them comfy for an extended period. A latex glove supplier has a massive effect on its role in preventing disease transmission the surface composition, and the environments used.
They are tough and thus protect individuals from a wide range of physical risks that can cause cuts, scars, and piercings on their hands.
Nitrile gloves
Nitrile gloves rose to prominence as a viable alternative to latex gloves. They are highly durable, which reduces the likelihood of the gloves being pierced while in use. They are chemical resistant.
Vinyl gloves
PVC is used to make vinyl gloves. They are less durable than others and provide only minimal protection from chemical or biomaterial exposure. Vinyl gloves are frequently used in non-hazardous conditions with a limited risk of infection.
Importance of Using Personal Protective Gears
During a pandemic like the latest coronavirus, there has been a lot of focus on the value of preventing skin and soft tissue infections. One primary consideration is the correct use of impactful personal protective equipment (PPE), which may lower a healthcare provider’s risk of contamination while also limiting exposure to patients under their care.
1. To Avoid Cross-infection
While dealing with patients, health workers wear gloves to protect their hands from coming into direct contact with mucus, blood, and other bodily fluids. Bacteria and other pathogens that cause disease spread both ways in a medical center.
It usually implies that while the patient can infect the medical professional, they can also be compromised by the medics. Therefore, all physicians, nursing staff, caregivers, and other health specialists are expected to wear disposable medical gloves when assessing or treating patients.
2. Protection of Hands
Hand Protection gloves, such as latex, are extremely stung and defiant to various chemicals and hazardous conditions. Gloves are used in medical facilities to protect the hands and prevent cross-infection. Often medics utilize sensitive equipment and materials like surgical knives and needles when providing treatment.
If they are not guarded, they risk having piercings and cuts on their hands. In addition, the medical staff uses a range of substances and chemical products to treat patients. As a result, they should not be exposed to these pharmaceuticals.
3. Restrict the Transmission of Infections
Wearing and changing disposable gloves is key to preventing pathogens from spreading from one patient to the next, rather than removing the gloves and throwing them into waste leaving germs exposed. Make sure your gloves are wrapped over them. Also, ensure that a fresh glove is used with each patient’s motion or change of various procedures.
4. Fit and Convenience
Gloves that are correctly fitted can highly boost effectiveness and decrease muscle fatigue. Latex gloves have higher permeability, resilience, and adaptability; nitrile gloves are also a great option. The most common disposable glove size distribution is extra small to extra-large. Wrap a tape measure around the broad point of your palm to determine your hand size.
Glove Selection Determinants
While selecting a glove for your area of operation, consider the following test.
- Degradation is the transition in a glove’s material characteristics caused by chemical touch. It emerges as glove toughening, stiffness, swelling, reduction, or breaking.
- Breakthrough time is the time elapsed between both the initial encounter of the test substance on the glove surface and the analysis sensing of the chemical inside the glove.
- Permeation is the immersion of the test chemical on the glove’s surface.
- Thinner, lighter gloves offer additional good touch sensitivity and adaptability but may have shorter breakthrough times.
- The depth should also determine glove length to the likelihood of chemical splash. The Glove size, appearance, cuff design, and lining should all be taken into account for a different task.
Tips for Using and Caring for Hand Gloves
- Check the gloves properly to ensure no tears, openings, holes, or other damage.
- Inspect and get the perfect match gloves to keep your hands comfortable while functioning.
- Thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water before putting on the gloves.
- Remember to wrap any cuts on your hands with a bandage. Repeat the process even after the procedure to prevent infection spread.
- Keep the gloves in a suitable container, i.e., a cool, dry place away from the chemicals.
- If latex-based gloves irritate, you can switch to a different latex-free type of glove.
- Disposable gloves should not be recycled.
10 things healthcare professionals must know while wearing gloves
Wearing gloves is a common practice in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections and protect both healthcare professionals and patients. Here are ten important things that healthcare professionals must know while wearing gloves:
- Hand Hygiene Comes First:
- Before putting on gloves, healthcare professionals should perform proper hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene.
- Choose the Right Type of Gloves:
- Different situations may require different types of gloves. Whether it’s latex, nitrile, or vinyl, healthcare professionals should choose gloves that are appropriate for the specific task and are not allergenic to themselves or the patient.
- Inspect Gloves for Damage:
- Before putting on gloves, visually inspect them for any signs of damage, such as tears or punctures. Damaged gloves should be discarded, and new ones should be used.
- Proper Glove Application:
- Put on gloves carefully to avoid tearing or contaminating them. Ensure that gloves cover the hands fully, including the wrists. Avoid touching the exterior of the gloves with bare hands.
- Change Gloves Between Patients or Tasks:
- Gloves should be changed between patients or tasks to prevent cross-contamination. Never use the same pair of gloves for different patients or tasks.
- Avoid Touching Contaminated Surfaces:
- While wearing gloves, healthcare professionals should avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated. This includes personal items, electronic devices, and other non-essential items.
- Do Not Wash or Disinfect Gloves for Reuse:
- Disposable gloves are intended for single use only. Washing or disinfecting gloves for reuse is not recommended, as it may compromise their integrity and effectiveness.
- Gloves Do Not Replace Handwashing:
- Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing. Healthcare professionals should wash their hands before and after wearing gloves to ensure proper hand hygiene.
- Be Mindful of Allergies:
- Some individuals may be allergic to certain types of gloves, especially latex. Healthcare professionals should be aware of any known allergies among colleagues and patients to choose suitable glove options.
- Remove Gloves Properly:
- When removing gloves, do so carefully to avoid contaminating hands. Peel off the gloves from the wrist, turning them inside out, and dispose of them in an appropriate waste container.
Adhering to proper glove use practices is essential for infection control and the overall safety of healthcare professionals and patients. Regular training and reinforcement of these practices contribute to a safer healthcare environment.
Conclusion
Although wearing gloves might provide safety, they will not adequately protect against hand contamination. Therefore, hands must always be cleaned and disinfected after removing gloves. It helps to ensure that no infectious material may have managed to enter through the undiscovered tear. Disposable gloves are cost-effective and need no cleaning.
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