Handskepraksis

Handskepraksis refers to the policies, procedures, and daily practices surrounding the use of gloves as part of personal protective equipment. It aims to reduce the risk of infection, cross-contamination, and exposure to hazardous substances in settings such as healthcare, laboratories, and industry. The practice covers glove selection, donning and doffing techniques, use during procedures, and proper disposal and storage.

Glove selection involves choosing materials appropriate to the task and user needs. Common materials include latex, nitrile, vinyl, and neoprene, each with different barrier properties and chemical resistances. Considerations include allergies (notably latex sensitivity), fit and size, level of dexterity required, whether gloves are sterile or non-sterile, and whether powder-free options are preferred. Some tasks may require specialized gloves, such as exam gloves for clinical care or sterile gloves for invasive procedures.

Guidelines for use emphasize wearing gloves when there is potential contact with blood, bodily fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated surfaces. Gloves should be changed between patients and between tasks that could contaminate them, and never reused or washed for reuse. Doffing and donning should be performed using aseptic techniques, with hand hygiene performed before donning and after doffing to remove any contaminating residues and to protect hands from recontamination.

Disposal and storage practices include single-use disposal in appropriate waste streams, inspection for tears or punctures before use, and proper storage in clean, dry conditions to preserve integrity. Training and compliance monitoring are essential to maintain effective handskepraksis, including awareness of latex allergies and the availability of alternative materials when necessary.