Holistic Healing Medical Centre

GLOVES - STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Objectives

The aim is to give an idea about using the glove as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for standard
infection control purposes and also suggesting standard and ideal method of donning and doffing the
gloves for all medical staffs. Staff should also be aware of methods of breaking the chain of infection.

All employees handling hazardous materials must wear the appropriate PPE when necessary. Medical
gloves are examples of personal protective equipment that are used to protect the wearer and/or the
patient from the spread of infection or illness during medical procedures and examinations. Medical
gloves are one part of an infection-control strategy.

Purpose of using the glove

 To reduce the number of micro-organisms getting on the skin of the nurses/doctor during
certain situations like, incontinence, wound discharge, blood spills etc.
 To reduce the chance of micro-organisms getting onto other patients or any surfaces including
patient file, furniture etc from the nurses/doctor hands
 To protect the nurses/doctor hands from chemicals, medications and cleaning fluids

Gloves are the most common type of Personal protective equipment PPE used in healthcare settings.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected based on the potential hazard presented by the
work. All kind of PPE prevent contact with the infectious agent, or body fluid that may contain the
infectious agent, by creating a barrier between the worker and the infectious material.

When should gloves be worn?

The use of gloves should be based on an assessment of the risk of contact with blood, body fluids,
secretions and/or excretions, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, drugs and chemicals. Where such a
risk exists, gloves should be worn to protect the Doctor or nurses and/or the patient.
When should gloves be changed or removed?
 Gloves are a single-use item and should be changed after each use or upon completion of a task.
 Gloves must never be decontaminated, for example with soap and water or alcoholic rub.
 Gloves should be changed after contact with each
 Gloves may need to be changed after the completion of a single aspect of patient
care/treatment – even on the same patient – for example, gloves may be required during tube
insertion of colon hydrotherapy, once the device has been inserted it may be necessary in some
cases to change gloves for further care.
 Gloves should be changed if a perforation or puncture is suspected or identified.
 Gloves must be changed upon completion of a task involving the use of cleaning chemicals as
they may compromise the barrier integrity of the glove.
 Gloves must be removed while getting out of the procedure room, in rare cases if the gloves has
to be worn outside, you must take care not to touch any surface with the glove.

How should gloves be donned (put on)?

 Perform hand hygiene before applying gloves, and then ensure hands are completely dry.
 Remove all jewellery and ensure your hands are clean
 Firstly take a glove from the dispenser that is suitable for your size.
 Inspect gloves before use for signs of tears, swelling, cracking, discoloration, pinholes or other
defects
 Gently open the glove at the cuff and slide your right hand into the glove.
 Once the hand is inserted, slide your fingers properly into the glove.
 Align properly and have proper fit all over
 Roll the cuff towards the body as much as possible to make it secure.
 Now apply the same technique with the second glove and slide your left hand in.
Removing Gloves (Doffing)
When you take gloves off, make sure the outsides of the gloves do not touch your bare hands.
Follow these steps:

 Grab the top of your right glove with your left hand, 2 cm below the end of the glove.
 Pull toward your fingertips and peel the glove, make sure the glove is removed inside out.
 Hold onto the empty glove with your left hand.
 To remove left glove, put 2 bare fingers right-hand in to the inner top part of your left glove.
 Pull toward your fingertips until you have pulled the glove inside out and off your hand. The
right glove will be inside the left glove now.
 Throw the gloves away in an approved waste container.
 Always use new gloves for each patient. Wash your hands between patients to avoid passing
germs.

Please note:
 Do not touch door knobs, phones, computers, pens, stairs and other common surfaces or items.
(Remove gloves before touching anything to prevent contamination)
 If you have a minor cut/non-intact skin, be sure to cover with a waterproof bandage and double-
glove.
 Do not wear gloves while walking through hallways.

Version: 1.0
Dr Mohamed Rifas