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24 June, 2019 By NT Contributor
Health professionals use disposable gloves and aprons to protect themselves from infection risk. This article, part 3 in a six-part series, explains how to use these equipments
Disposable gloves and aprons are used to protect health professionals and patients from the risks of infection. However, it is important to use them appropriately or they may increase patients’ risk of healthcare-associated infections. This article – the third part of a six-part series – discusses when and how to use them.
Citation: Wigglesworth N (2019) Infection control 3: use of disposable gloves and aprons. Nursing Times [online]; 115, 7: 34-36.
Author: Neil Wigglesworth is director, infection prevention and control, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust, London, and immediate past president, Infection Prevention Society.
Disposable medical gloves and non-sterile aprons are important items of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect health professionals from the risk of infection and to reduce opportunities for cross-transmission of micro-organisms (Loveday et al, 2014). This article focuses on their selection and explains the procedures for applying and removing them.
The decision whether to use gloves and aprons in a specific patient care activity or intervention should take account of current health and safety legislation and be based on an assessment of the:
There is evidence that lack of know-ledge and non-adherence to guideline recommendations are common (Loveday et al, 2014). In a literature review that formed part of their study of the impact of errors in putting on and taking off PPE, Okamoto et al (2019) found evidence that these errors often lead to contamination of unprotected sites on health professionals. Health professionals should therefore receive regular training in risk assessment, selection and use of PPE, and the use of standard infection prevention and control precautions (Loveday et al, 2014).
Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene and should only be used when appropriate. Their prolonged and unnecessary use may cause adverse reactions and skin sensitivity, and may lead to cross-contamination of the patient environment. Inappropriate use of gloves can also undermine hand-hygiene initiatives (Royal College of Nursing, 2017) and may be distressing to patients (Nicklinson, 2011). Box 1 lists indications of when to wear gloves and when to remove them.
Box 1. Indications for glove use
When to wear gloves
Any cuts/abrasions on hands should be covered with a waterproof dressing before gloves are donned
When to remove gloves
Sources: Royal College of Nursing (2018), Loveday et al (2014)
Gloves are single-use items and must be removed and disposed of immediately after the care activity for which they have been worn; they should not be washed or decontaminated with alcohol-based handrub as a substitute for changing them between care activities. Hands must be decontaminated after glove removal as there is evidence that hands become contaminated:
The need to wear gloves and the selection of appropriate gloves requires an assessment of the task to be performed and its related risks to patients and healthcare workers. Risk assessment should include consideration of:
Gloves are available in a range of materials. The most commonly used is natural rubber latex (NRL), due to its efficacy in protecting against bloodborne viruses and properties that maintain wearer dexterity (Loveday et al, 2014). However, the proteins found in NRL gloves can cause severe allergic reactions in health professionals and patients with existing allergies, and contact dermatitis and occupational asthma in sensitised individuals. Powdered latex gloves increase this risk and should never be used; if NRL gloves are used they should be low protein. Neoprene and nitrile gloves have similar barrier performance to NRL and are superior to vinyl as such, they are good alternatives, although nitrile may also lead to sensitivity reactions (RCN, 2017; Loveday et al, 2014). Contact dermatitis is classified as an industrial injury; as such, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) requires a referral to occupational health if gloves are causing a skin problem (Health and Safety Executive, 2013).
Medical gloves are categorised as non-sterile examination and sterile procedure gloves; Box 2 lists the indications for glove selection.
Box 2. Glove selection
Sterile gloves needed
Examination gloves needed
Direct patient exposure
Indirect patent exposure
Gloves not indicated (except for contact precautions)
Direct patient exposure
Indirect patient exposure
Source: Adapted from World Health Organization (2009)
Gloves should be donned immediately before the intervention for which they are required.
Once gloved, hands should not touch anything that is not defined by indications and conditions for glove use.
Source: Peter Lamb
To avoid contaminating the hands or environment, gloves should be removed carefully as soon as the intervention is complete; if a disposable apron is also used gloves should be removed first (Loveday et al, 2014).
Source: Peter Lamb
Microbial contaminants found on the work clothing of health professionals are a significant factor in cases of healthcare-associated infections (Wilson et al, 2007). Disposable, single-use plastic aprons are therefore recommended for general clinical use when close contact with the patient, materials or equipment may lead to contamination of uniforms or other clothing with microorganisms, or when there is a risk of contamination with blood or bodily fluids. If there is the possibility of extensive splashing of blood or bodily fluids onto the skin or clothes of health professionals, fluid-repellent full-body gowns should be worn (Loveday et al, 2014).
In England, apron selection is to be based on the procedure or task being undertaken. A colour coding system is used:
Source: Peter Lamb
If disposable gloves are being used, they should be removed first (Loveday et al, 2014).
Source: Peter Lamb
Tagged with: Coronavirus zone: personal protective equipment Newly qualified nurses: practical procedures
On the ward, I work it is required to put on an apron and gloves whenever I approach a patient and removed the gloves and apron, wash hands before donning fresh gloves and apron to avoid infection
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