The benefits of wearing disposable gloves to prevent cross infection
Disposable gloves are regularly worn in care and medical environments to prevent the spread of infection. If someone is wearing gloves it’s vital they know the protection they offer and understand the importance of using and removing them correctly.
Can gloves protect someone in public?
Disposable gloves can reduce the spread of infection and protect someone who is going out in public by keeping their hands clean, dry and germ free. If someone chooses to wear gloves in public it is vital they do not touch their face, phone or any surfaces they do not need to and remove the gloves correctly. As disposable gloves are subject to single use, a box of gloves is ideal if required on multiple occasions. The disposable nitrile gloves are provided in a box of 100 and are of a soft yet textured material for improved grip. These gloves are also powder free, to prevent dust contamination and are non-allergenic due to their latex-free material.
It is important to take hand sanitiser gel when going out and about, even when wearing gloves, as hands must be sanitised immediately after removing the gloves. In the unlikely event where a glove does break, hand sanitiser can also offer an immediate alternative to protect the hands.
Know how to correctly remove disposable gloves
Disposable gloves must be used and removed correctly to offer protection and prevent the spread of infection. Below is a quick guide on how to correctly remove disposable gloves:
1.Removing the first glove:
Pinch the outside of the glove near the wrist and be sure not to touch the bare skin. Peel back the glove taking care not to touch the now free hand.
2.Removing the second glove:
Keep the removed glove held in the gloved hand and do not touch the outside of either glove with the free hand. Instead tuck the fingers inside the glove still on the other hand and turn it inside out. The second glove will be over the first and they should be disposed of immediately.
After gloves have been disposed, the person’s hands should be cleaned immediately with soap and water or sanitiser, if washing is unavailable.
Choose the right size to get the best protection
Disposable gloves, such as the box of 100 disposable gloves, are also available in different sizes from small to extra-large. Choosing the right size glove is vital to ensure the person wearing them is comfortable and not at risk to exposing their hands. A loose-fitting glove runs the risk of falling down and a tight-fitting glove may be at a higher risk of breaking.
How are gloves used in a healthcare setting?
Many types of personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable aprons and gloves, are used in medical or care settings to reduce the spread of infection between healthcare workers and patients. Disposable gloves are appropriate for single use and are worn when someone is providing direct care to a patient, especially if they will be exposed to bodily fluids. After each procedure, or contact with a patient, the gloves will be removed and disposed of and the person will need to wash or sanitise their hands.
