The three kinds of gloves

There are three kinds of gloves used in the clinical setting. Each is used in different situations:

1. Surgical gloves

These should be worn for all clinical procedures where you will be in contact with the tissues under the skin or with the bloodstream (for example, surgical procedures, Norplant implant insertions, etc.). Disposable surgical gloves are recommended for use whenever possible. Sterile surgical gloves are preferable for these procedures; however, high-level disinfected (HLD) surgical gloves can be used when sterilized gloves are not available. (More information about sterilization and HLD can be found in the Instrument Processing module of this course. Information about putting on and taking off sterile surgical gloves appears in the Surgical Scrub and Surgical Attire module.)

2. Single-use examination gloves

These should be worn for procedures where there will be contact with intact mucous membranes (for example, IUD insertion or pelvic exam) or where the primary purpose of wearing gloves is to reduce your risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids (for example, during manual vacuum aspiration).

Examination gloves are usually made of latex or vinyl and may be either supplied in bulk in a box or individually packaged. These gloves are clean, but not sterile or HLD. As the name "single-use" implies, these gloves should always be discarded after one use. They should not be processed and reused.

3. Utility or heavy-duty household gloves

These thick rubber gloves should be worn for handling contaminated instruments and other items, for handling waste and linens, for performing housekeeping activities, and for cleaning contaminated surfaces. These gloves can be reused after cleaning. To protect yourself from contaminates on the outside of the glove, always wash your hands while still wearing the gloves--following the routine procedure described in the Handwashing module of this course--before removal.

Acceptable alternatives
if supplies run low...

Wear gloves whenever you may be exposed to blood and  other potentially contaminated materials and whenever you handle instruments or other items that may have been in contact with infectious materials.

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