Sterile gloves are a type of glove that is used in medical settings to protect the wearer from contamination. They are also known as surgical or latex gloves, and they come in either powder-free or powdered varieties. Many health care professionals consider them to be one of the most critical pieces of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Here we will discuss when it is appropriate to use these, and some tips on using them correctly!
When In Contact With Infected People
Sterile Gloves should only be worn when there is a possibility for contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions from an infected person. If you are not sure whether or not a patient is infected, it is always better to be safe and wear gloves. They can also help protect you from diseases carried in the blood, such as HIV and hepatitis.
During Surgery
These should always be worn during surgery. Most surgical procedures require both sterile and non-sterile gloves. They protect the patient from any bacteria or other contaminants on the surgeon’s hands, while the non-sterile gloves provide grip and dexterity.
For Laboratory Work
Lab workers often need to wear these when handling sensitive materials or performing specific tasks. This is because there is a risk of exposure to dangerous organisms or chemicals if proper precautions are not taken. They can also help to prevent contamination of a sample or protect the worker from accidentally touching their face during work.
In Emergency Situations
Sterile gloves are often used by emergency workers exposed to bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal fluid. In these situations, all precautions are taken against infection through contact with these potentially dangerous substances are essential. These provide an extra layer of protection if any of these materials get on your skin or clothes, while non-sterilized gloves don’t offer this assurance since they cannot be adequately cleaned after use.
For Food Handling & Preparation
Another situation where sterile medical-grade gloves should always be worn is when handling food. When preparing any dish, whether it’s a hot or cold meal, you should use them so that your hands don’t contaminate the food with bacteria from dirty skin. While cooking is always high-risk because there are so many opportunities for contamination to occur in the kitchen environment, they will ensure that nothing comes into contact with anything unclean when handling another ingredient or utensil.
To conclude, sterile gloves should be worn in various situations where there’s a heightened potential for bacteria and other contaminants to come into contact with the skin. This could include handling food, working with medical equipment, or dealing with any bodily fluid.