If supplies of gloves run low...
In many low-resource settings, surgical gloves--which are the most expensive type--are often used when supplies of the other kinds of gloves run out or are not available. This is very costly and can be avoided if adequate supplies are ordered before "stockouts" occur. It is important to use the proper supplies whenever possible.
If stockouts do occur, it is still important to wear gloves in all situations where you may be exposed to blood and other potentially contaminated matter. Follow these guidelines for using other types of gloves when the recommended gloves are not available:
- If sterile surgical gloves are not available, use HLD gloves. (More information about sterile and HLD gloves appears in the Instrument Processing module of this course.)
- If examination gloves are not available, use surgical gloves.
- If utility gloves are not available, use examination gloves, if possible, or surgical gloves, if no other options are available. For some housekeeping and waste-disposal tasks, you can cover your hands with plastic bags when no gloves are available.
NOTE:
Be careful: surgical and examination gloves can be easily torn in situations where utility gloves would normally be worn.
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