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Importance of examination gloves in preventing HCAIs
Examination gloves are a critical tool in mitigating the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and preventing cross-contamination. ARKA highlights the latest insights into the vital role they have in maximising safety.
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
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com Volume 23 I Issue 10 I November 2024
THE CLINICAL SERVICES JOURNAL
Role of glove quality in maximising safety
Tackling the AMR crisis in healthcare IDSc 2024 highlights major changes ahead
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. EPP involves procedures where healthcare
0.25
* A glove with an AQL of 0.65 has a 57% reduction in defect rate vs a glove with an AQL of 1.5, based on a batch size of 150.000 gloves and a sample of 200. Allowing a protection level equal to a surgical glove.
Factors influencing glove choice
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I November 2024 Consequences of incorrect glove choice
professionals are at risk of contact with sharp objects, such as needles or bones, within a patient’s body cavity, increasing the risk of infection. This is particularly relevant in fields like Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Dental care, and Obstetrics. HCID, which refers to severe infectious diseases that spread rapidly, require enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE), often including multiple layers of gloves. For minor procedures such as urinary catheter insertion, wound care, and minor surgeries, there is ongoing debate about whether non-sterile gloves are sufficient. However, the use of high- quality non-sterile gloves can serve as a suitable intermediate option. In conclusion, according to Jon Otter’s findings the focus should be on using fewer but higher-quality gloves with optimized AQL, tensile strength, proper packaging and dispensing according to WHO guidelines for high-risk applications, such as EPP and HCID. By improving glove selection and usage practices, healthcare providers can reduce cross-transmission risks, enhance patient and worker safety while reducing overall glove consumption and waste reduction, ultimately optimizing both care and resource management.
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