|
Gloves
Gloves are not a substitute for handwashing!
Washing hands thoroughly with antimicrobial soaps can disinfect the hands, but will not make them sterile. Medical exam gloves shall be worn whenever there is a potential for contact with mucous membranes, blood or OPIM. Properly fitting gloves should be snug but not restrictive, and should cover the cuffs of a long sleeved gown. Gloves must be discarded upon completion of treatment and before leaving laboratories or areas of patient care activities. Wear a new pair of gloves for each patient. Healthcare workers shall perform hand hygiene procedures after removing and discarding gloves. Wash hands after each use. Gloves that are washed may develop small holes and are not suitable to be reused on patients. Gloves shall not be washed before or after use. Do not wash, disinfect or sterilize gloves for reuse. Do not touch your face, nose, or mouth with contaminated gloves.
For most dental procedures, single- use non-sterile rubber gloves are acceptable. It is recommended that sterile surgical gloves be worn for surgical extractions and more invasive procedures. Sterile gloves will theoretically limit contamination of the surgical site. Also, since the FDA more strictly regulates the production of these gloves, they may offer increased piece of mind to the practitioner.
The chemicals in disinfectants can cause defects in the material of latex gloves, so it is better to use heavy utility gloves when using or mixing chemicals. Do not use petroleum or oil-based lotions before donning gloves because it can damage the gloves and reduce their effectiveness. Using lotions to reduce dryness of the hands should only be used at the end of the work day. Store gloves according to manufacturer's directions to assure the longest shelf life.
If gloves are torn, cut, or punctured they must be changed as soon as it is safely possible. Wash hands thoroughly and replace the gloves before continuing with the procedure. Sharp nail edges or broken nails are likely to increase glove failure. Long artificial or natural nails can make donning gloves more difficult and can cause gloves to tear more readily. Hand carriage of gram-negative organisms has been determined to be greater among wearers of artificial nails than among nonwearers, both before and after handwashing.
Any cuts should be covered with a Band-Aid. Use an antibacterial ointment underneath if indicated. Slip one layer of gauze between the Band-Aid the glove to help keep the Band-Aid from becoming moist from the gloves, or being contaminated by the powder inside the gloves.
Inexpensive plastic gloves used for handling food can be put over the gloves during treatment to enter data in charts or to retrieve an item out of a drawer. These gloves may not be used alone as a hand barrier or for intraoral patient care. vi
Gloves are available as ambidextrous or right-left-specific. The ambidextrous gloves are less expensive, but right-left-specific gloves are more comfortable on hands and wrists. viii
For oral surgery, the effectiveness of wearing two pairs of gloves to prevent disease transmission has not been demonstrated, but the majority of studies among health care personnel and dental health care personnel have demonstrated a lower frequency of inner glove perforation and visible blood on the surgeon's hands. Double gloving does not appear to substantially reduce either manual dexterity or tactile sensitivity.
Some health care workers have reported allergies to the latex or the powder used in gloves.
Three types of skin reactions to latex are: irritation contact dermatitis, delayed contact dermatitis (rash), and immediate allergic urticaria (hives). Repeated exposure to latex increases chances of an allergic episode. Most dental professionals wear gloves 8 to 10 hours daily, 4 to 5 days a week. Histories of allergies, asthma, and eczema have been linked to latex glove reactions. A physician should treat any dermatitis and the dental professional should not be exposed to the latex until the condition is completely healed. Some dermatitis problems may result from moisture accumulating under gloves. Cotton glove liners are available to provide a barrier between the skin and the latex. Dental professionals who exhibit skin rash, itching, or wheezing should seek the care of a physician for diagnosis.
Patients with spina bifida are particularly vulnerable to life-threatening latex reactions. Patients who have undergone repeated surgery with prolonged contact with rubber tubes or post-surgical drains, and those with history of other allergies are most likely to have reactions to rubber gloves or the rubber dam. For these patients it would be advisable to wear a non-latex glove (vinyl or other non-synthetic polymer).
Wear heavy utility gloves when cleaning, disinfecting, handling contaminated instruments or trash, mixing chemicals, and changing ultrasonic solutions. Spray utility gloves with a disinfectant and leave to dry after every use. If the glove is punctured or damaged, it should be discarded.
Continue on to
|
Latex Allergy
