Infection Prevention Solutions
Glove use Non sterile, powder-free latex or synthetic latex e.g. nitrile and vinyl gloves should be worn whenever contact with body fluids, contaminated equipment, non-intact skin or mucous membranes is anticipated. Sterile, non-powdered, latex or synthetic latex e.g. nitrile gloves which provide greater dexterity and tactility should be available in a range of sizes for surgical and other invasive procedures requiring sterile gloves. For the majority of routine clinical tasks good quality vinyl/nitryl gloves provide adequate protection and should be the glove product of choice. Gloves are not required when handling unsoiled articles or for contact with intact skin in the absence of body fluids. Gloves must be removed at the end of each individual procedure/care activity, and hands washed thoroughly. It is essential to keep the time of wearing gloves to a minimum to avoid skin sensitisation and irritation. Staff experiencing skin conditions, which may be exacerbated by glove wearing, should contact Occupational Health or their GP for further advice / assessment. Double gloving Healthcare workers should only double‐glove when undertaking exposure‐prone procedures (EPPs) not as routine practice. Double gloving may be considered for particular procedures where the perforation of gloves may be anticipated, e.g. orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery An EPP is defined as an activity ‘where there is a risk that injury to the healthcare worker may result in exposure of the patient’s open tissue, to the blood of the healthcare worker’ (DOH, 1998). The use of double gloves is advocated to protect surgeons from blood borne viruses. The Department of Health also advocate double‐gloving to reduce the likelihood of percutaneous exposure during surgical procedures on patients with blood borne infections. Double gloving provides an extra layer of protection and has been shown to reduce the number of perforations to inner gloves in all types of surgery. Double gloves may be worn for high risk cases if deemed appropriate. It is known, however, that double gloving reduces hand dexterity and sensitivity. Sterile double‐gloving systems have been introduced which helps reveal any outer glove puncture. The system consists of two pairs of gloves; a green under‐glove and a standard outer glove. If the outer glove is punctured the inner glove changes colour thus alerting the wearer.
Sample Issue Date: 01/10/2022 Review Date: 30/09/2024
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Infection Prevention Solutions ©2022 Page 4 of 8
