Medical aspects of glove use

Abstract

Medical gloves claim to act as a microbiological barrier between the hands of the health care workers and the things they touch in the course of their procedures. The domestic glove is that which protects the hands from general physical abuse and contact alIergic dermatitis. However, there are inconsistencies on the type of hand protection recommended by different health authorities (CDC,1988). Recommendation on the appropriate use of these products may be better made by assessing the following aspects of glove use in Malta: 1 The appropriate use of gloves - which gloves to wear, when to wear them, when to change them and how many to wear at one time. Whether health care personnel are welI informed about cross infection control. 2 Identification of problems associated with glove use such as glove perforation. 3 The role of the pharmacist as the supplier and health education on appropriate glove selection and in the identification and treatment of allergic contact dermatitis.