Infection prevention latex gloves since 198717
, has led to an exponential
increase in the risk of latex allergy among health professionals as an occupational group. Internationally reported prevalence rates range from 2% to 22%, varying based on the population and diagnostic methods employed.18
Therefore,
it is crucial to pay attention to the possibility of allergies, especially to latex. Theatre teams should choose non-latex alternatives when required to accommodate sensitivities and prevent adverse reactions among both staff and patients. Latex- free gloves can be equal to latex gloves in terms of establishing asepsis and providing comfort and dexterity to the wearer, without presenting the risk of developing latex sensitivity/allergy.
Conclusion In essence, a thorough understanding of glove use is indispensable for operating theatre teams in safeguarding surgical procedures and ensuring the safety of both patients and staff. By familiarising themselves with the various types of gloves, adhering to correct donning and doffing procedures, proper dispensing and recognising when to change gloves during operations, surgical teams can greatly reduce infection risks and enhance patient safety. Addressing critical issues such as proper donning and doffing techniques, sustainability, contamination prevention, and staff protection allows theatre teams to maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Continuous education and adherence to best practices are vital for sustaining excellence in surgical care.
global assessment. Lancet Planet Health. 2020 Jul;4(7): e271-e279. doi: 10.1016/S2542- 5196(20)30121-2. PMID: 32681898.
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CSJ
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About the author
Susana de Almeida is a researcher at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS- FF), in the Multidisciplinary Research Unit in Biomedicine (UMIB) and in the Reproductive Biology and Genetics Group/Molecular and Cellular Medicine (BGR/MCM) group; University of Porto. Susana de Almeida has a PhD in Biomedical
Sciences from the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS-FF UP) and a master’s degree in medicine and Oncology from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. She also has a postgraduate diploma from the Superior Course in Legal Medicine at the National Institute of Legal Medicine- Delegation of Porto (INML) and is a forensic expert and Advisory Board Member of the Portuguese Association of Criminology (APC). Since 2014, she has carried out research tasks at ICBAS, first as an external collaborator and then as a researcher. Her areas of interest are: Genetic diseases; Reproductive Biology; Male Infertility and Ageing; Health Sciences; Medical devices; Pharmacological Sciences; Biology and Clinical Trials.
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