Significance Of Using Hand Protection In Healthcare Settings

By Author: medguard
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In the medical field, safety measures are vital since one wrong decision can mean the difference between life and death. Among the many safety precautions taken, the most basic and important is the protection of the hand. You must have already noticed that every doctor and staff member wears hygiene gloves. 
They play a huge role in protecting patients, staff as well and visitors. Simply put, they go beyond just being a medical item, rather are a need. They preserve the sterile environment required for effective medical operations and positive patient outcomes. Furthermore, here is everything you need to know. 
The Critical Role of Hand Protection in Healthcare 
The medical field demands strict safety measures, be it wearing proper disposable gloves or proper disposal of needles. Such safety measures are to protect both the patient and the medical staff. Talking using hand protection, here is why it is important in medical settings:
 

Infection ...
... Control 

 
Hand protection, like gloves, plays a huge role in controlling infection. Yes, they stop the transmission of diseases in medical settings. They serve as a barrier between patients and medical personnel. This barrier, as a result, shields the patient from potential illnesses while reducing the chance of pathogen transfer. They also prevent allergic reactions. For instance, synthetic gloves reduce the risk of allergic reactions. 
 

Protect Employees 

 
Be they are surgical or hygiene gloves, they protect medical staff and patients from all sorts of infections. Given that hospital employees frequently come into contact with harsh chemicals and dangerous products, they are a necessary component. Offering a physical barrier, they reduce the likelihood of exposure.
 

Maintains Hygiene 

 
Still wondering why you should wear surgical hand gloves in medical settings? Well, because they promote hygiene and cleanliness. It prevents foreign germs from entering a sterile environment. Employees must, however, frequently wash their hands using antibacterial hand soap. 
 

Improved Safety 

 
Patient safety is what every healthcare setting must prioritise. Talking about which, this is where mentioning hygiene gloves comes into play. It provides the care that both patients and employees need in such settings. It helps to maintain a healthy atmosphere by shielding one from external toxins. Additionally, it increases precision and accuracy when doing medical treatments. Yes, using gloves, surgeons can operate more precisely since they improve grip.
Different Hand Protections Used in Medical Environments
There are various types of hand protection used in medical settings. Some of these include:

Latex gloves are the most preferred since they offer comfort. Besides, they also fit snugly, thanks to their elasticity.

Nitrile gloves are made using synthetic rubber and offer excellent sensitivity and durability.

Vinyl gloves, composed of polyvinyl chloride, are ideal for low-risk scenarios. This is because they don't provide the same level of durability as other gloves.

Being sterilized, sterile gloves are ideal for use in surgical procedures. These also come in separate packages.
Non-sterile gloves are best for non-surgical operations and standard medical examinations.

Best Tips When Using Gloves
Whether you are using sterile or disposable gloves, here are some tips you must follow:
 

Proper Hand Hygiene 

 
To maximise the effectiveness of your gloves, it is necessary to maintain optimal hand hygiene. For instance, you must always wash your hands both before and after putting on gloves. This will protect staff and patients from any impurities that may be on your skin. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or wash your hands with soap and water.
 

Changing Frequently 

 
When using gloves, remember not changing this may result in cross-contamination. Therefore, gloves should be switched between tasks, patients and procedures. If using disposable gloves, make sure you never use them again.
 

Correct Wearing and Removing Method 

 
When using gloves, one must follow the right methods for putting on and taking off gloves. This helps to prevent any infection that might happen otherwise. Also, make sure to properly dispose of them and refrain from touching their outside with bare hands, once used. The best choice here would be to use disposable gloves. 
 

Proper Inspection 

 
Whether you are purchasing sterile or hygiene gloves, remember they should be well-checked. This includes checking for rips, punctures and other flaws before usage. If you find any damaged gloves or ones with leaks, throw them out right away in a safe manner. 
 

The Right Fit

 
Whether for a clinic or hospital, when investing in gloves, make sure they fit properly. If not, a wrong-sized glove can hinder protection, opening doors for more infections. 
Contribute to a Safer and Healthier Environment 
Understanding what germs can do, we at MedGuard offer you high-quality personal protective equipment. We have everything for your hand protection, such as hygiene gloves, face shields, hand sanitisers, etc. They are made using premium materials and are meant to last, despite heavy usage. To learn more about us, you can contact us today. 
Source of This Article: How to Prevent The Spread of Infection When Working In Healthcare Settings?    

Paul Clifford is the Owner & CEO of Medguard. He aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of the country by supplying medical devices and consumable products of top-notch quality.