COVER STORY: Importance of examination gloves in preventing HCAIs

Studies have demonstrated that the proper use of gloves significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens between healthcare workers and patients, thereby lowering the incidence of HCAIs (Loveday et al, 2014). Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that hand hygiene and glove use are essential components of infection prevention and control protocols, especially in high-risk environments such as hospitals (WHO, 2009). Thus, gloves play a vital role in maintaining safety and infection control  within healthcare settings.

This view has gained increasing support from renowned specialists, including Jon Otter, who recently authored a White Paper on the subject. Jon Otter’s White Paper, on the need to consider glove quality to maximise staff safety in health and care settings, highlights the fact that glove quality plays a critical role in reducing the risk of occupational exposure, particularly during minor procedures, Exposure Prone Procedures (EPP), and the management of High Consequence  Infectious Diseases (HCID). Otter emphasises that the effectiveness of gloves depends on several key factors, such as Acceptable Quality Level (AQL), tensile strength, proper packaging and dispensing.

 Inadequate glove selection or the use of poor quality gloves not only increases infection risks but also leads to overuse and waste. For EPP and HCID scenarios, the selection of high-quality gloves with the appropriate AQL and tensile strength is crucial to protecting healthcare workers.