Procedures for Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are used to protect against the spreading of germs and bacteria from one person to another. Care needs to be taken when putting them on and taking them off to keep them as sterile as possible. They should be worn when you come in contact with patients and patient discards such as bandages.

Before Wearing the Gloves

• Before wearing latex gloves for working with a patient, make sure the patient isn't allergic to latex. If he is, use vinyl gloves. A latex allergy can cause an anaphylaxis reaction, which can be life threatening.

  Wash your hands before putting on disposable gloves. Washing your hands before touching the gloves will help to keep any contaminants off the gloves. The gloves are used to protect both you and the patient. Guard against contaminating the disposable gloves by leaving them in the dispenser until you are ready to use them. Taking gloves out of the dispenser and laying them on a counter, or putting them in the pocket of your uniform, will only expose the gloves to outside contaminates. They need to remain as sterile as possible.

While Wearing The Gloves

• Put disposable gloves on when coming in contact with a patient and any of his body fluids. This includes perspiration, so when touching a patient, gloves should be worn at all times. Gloves should be changed between procedures with the same patient and, of course, when you work with a new patient. Wear gloves when you are cleaning up bandages, soiled sheets and other items that might have come in contact with body fluids.

  Keep your nails short; sharp fingernails can puncture a disposable glove. The gloves do not protect against punctures from sharp items, so extra care must be taken when handling needles and other sharp instruments against an accidental puncture.

Disposal of the Gloves

• Dispose of gloves in the correct container for medical waste if they have any body fluid contamination. If not, they can be disposed of by wrapping them in a leak-proof plastic bag. Remove the gloves by pulling them down from the wrist, taking them off inside out. Do not touch the outside of the glove with your bare hand. Wash hands after taking off each pair of gloves.