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.