Why and when to use medical examination gloves

Why should medical examination gloves be used:

Based on the WHO Glove Use Information Leaflet, medical gloves are recommended to be worn for two main reasons:

1. To reduce the risk of contamination of health-care workers hands with blood and other body fluids.
2. To reduce the risk of germ dissemination to the environment and of transmission from the health-care worker to the patient and vice versa, as well as from one patient to another.

When should medical examination gloves be used:

Wear gloves when there is a risk of contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, during contact precautions and outbreak situations, or potentially infectious material. Change gloves between tasks and procedures on the same patient after contact with material that may contain a high concentration of microorganisms. Do not wear gloves when not indicated, as this is a waste of resources and does not reduce cross-transmission. Do not use gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is still necessary before and after glove use. Choose the right glove for the task you perform and the chemicals you work with.

Always wear gloves upon:

1. Risk of contact with blood, urine, feces or other bodily fluids.
2. Handling of most chemicals.
3. Preparation and administration of certain medicines e.g. cytostatics.
4. Cleaning of instruments.

How should medical examination gloves be used:

See glove usage recommendations in the Evercare Medical glove guide. This guide will support your ambitions to use the right glove for the right purpose. The guide is focused on helping you identify the right gloves for your requirements providing all the information needed to make an informed decision. It covers all aspects of choosing the right gloves, from material to size, REF number, color, key features, level of protection and recommendation for use.

Glove Guide