Introduction

Disposable gloves are single-use protective barriers worn on hands to prevent contamination and reduce the spread of germs, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. They are essential personal protective equipment in healthcare, childcare, first aid, and home care settings.

In pediatric care, disposable gloves protect both the child and the caregiver from cross-contamination during medical procedures, wound care, diaper changes, feeding assistance, and other care activities. They create a physical barrier between hands and bodily fluids, blood, mucous membranes, and contaminated surfaces.

Unlike reusable gloves, disposable gloves are designed for single use only and must be properly discarded after each task to prevent cross-contamination.

Purpose and Where They Are Used

Primary Functions

• Preventing direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin
• Reducing transmission of infectious agents between healthcare workers and patients
• Protecting caregivers from contamination during medical and care procedures
• Maintaining hygiene standards during food handling and medication administration
• Preventing spread of germs in childcare and school settings

Common Uses in Child Care

• Changing diapers and toileting assistance
• Wound care, dressing changes, and first aid
• Cleaning up vomit, blood, urine, or feces
• Administering medications and injections
• Oral care and dental hygiene assistance
• Feeding children with special needs
• Handling contaminated materials or medical waste
• Examining children in clinical settings
• Bathing and personal hygiene assistance

Types of Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves come in different materials, each with specific advantages and limitations. Choosing the right type depends on the task, potential allergies, and required protection level.

Other Classifications

Examination Gloves: Non-sterile gloves used for routine patient care, physical examinations, and general medical procedures. Most commonly used in pediatric clinics and home care.

Surgical Gloves: Sterile gloves with precise sizing for invasive procedures and surgeries. They offer higher protection standards and better fit for delicate work.

Powder-Free vs Powdered: All medical gloves are now powder-free as per regulations. Previously, powder (cornstarch) was added to make gloves easier to put on, but it could cause allergic reactions and airway inflammation. Powder-free gloves are treated with chlorination or other methods for easy donning.

Glove Sizes

Disposable gloves come in various sizes: Extra Small (XS), Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and Extra Large (XL). Proper sizing is crucial for comfort, dexterity, and protection. Gloves that are too small can tear easily and cause hand fatigue, while oversized gloves reduce dexterity and may slip off.

How to Use Disposable Gloves: Step-by-Step Guide

Before Putting On Gloves (Donning)

Proper Donning Technique

1. Remove all hand and wrist jewelry. Ensure fingernails are trimmed below fingertips to prevent snagging.
2. Wash and dry hands completely. Moist hands make it difficult to put on gloves.
3. Select the correct glove size. Check the box label for sizing.
4. Touch only the cuff edge of the first glove with your fingers.
5. Hold the glove at the top edge of the cuff and create an opening with your fingers.
6. Insert your hand into the glove, spreading fingers as you slide your hand in.
7. Pull the cuff over your wrist to cover as much skin as possible.
8. With your gloved hand, pick up the second glove by slipping fingers under the cuff.
9. Slide your other hand into the second glove without touching the outside surface.
10. Adjust both gloves for proper fit, ensuring no skin is exposed at the wrists.

During Use

• Never touch your face, hair, or other body parts while wearing contaminated gloves
• Do not touch clean surfaces, door handles, or phones with used gloves
• Change gloves immediately if they become torn, punctured, or visibly soiled
• Change gloves between different procedures on the same patient, especially when moving from a contaminated area to a clean area
• Never wash or reuse disposable gloves
• Never wear the same pair of gloves for more than one patient or child

Proper Removal Technique (Doffing)

1. Pinch the outside of one glove near the wrist area with your other gloved hand.
2. Pull the glove away from your hand, turning it inside out as you remove it.
3. Hold the removed glove in your still-gloved hand, keeping it balled up in your palm.
4. Slide two or three fingers of your bare hand inside the cuff of the remaining glove. Do not touch the outside.
5. Peel off the second glove from the inside, turning it inside out while pulling it over the first glove.
6. Both gloves should now be nested together with contaminated surfaces on the inside.
7. Dispose of gloves immediately in an appropriate waste container.
8. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Precautions and Safety Guidelines

General Safety Rules

• Never reuse disposable gloves under any circumstances
• Do not wash, sanitize, or disinfect disposable gloves for reuse
• Replace gloves immediately if torn, punctured, or compromised
• Always perform hand hygiene before donning and after doffing gloves
• Check for visible defects or holes before wearing gloves
• Use gloves only when necessary to avoid waste and unnecessary use

Allergy Awareness

• Watch for signs of allergic reactions: redness, itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• For children with known latex allergies, ensure all caregivers use non-latex gloves
• Some people may develop allergies after repeated latex exposure
• Healthcare facilities increasingly use latex-free environments to protect sensitive individuals

Specific Hazards and Dangers

• False Sense of Security: Gloves do not provide complete protection. Microscopic tears can occur during use
• Cross-Contamination Risk: Wearing the same gloves for multiple tasks spreads germs between surfaces
• Choking Hazard: Keep gloves away from young children when not in use, as they can be a suffocation or choking risk
• Bacterial Growth: Prolonged glove use creates a warm, moist environment that promotes bacterial growth on skin
• Reduced Dexterity: Gloves can reduce tactile sensitivity, increasing risk of accidents during delicate procedures

When NOT to Use Gloves

Gloves are not always necessary and inappropriate use wastes resources:

• When touching intact, healthy skin without bodily fluid contact
• During routine activities like playing with children or general supervision
• When proper hand hygiene alone is sufficient
• For tasks that do not involve contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials

Storage and Maintenance

Proper Storage Conditions

• Store gloves in their original packaging until use
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Ideal storage temperature: 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Avoid storage in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms
• Keep away from chemicals, solvents, and petroleum products
• Store in a clean area free from dust and contamination
• Do not store in vehicles where temperature extremes occur

Shelf Life and Expiration

• Check expiration dates before use. Most gloves have a 3-5 year shelf life
• Expired gloves may become brittle, lose elasticity, or develop defects
• Use older stock first (first in, first out principle)
• Discard any gloves that show signs of deterioration, discoloration, or stickiness

Disposal

• Dispose of used gloves immediately after removal
• Place in a designated waste container, preferably with a lid
• For gloves contaminated with blood or bodily fluids, use biohazard waste disposal if available
• In home settings, seal contaminated gloves in a plastic bag before placing in regular trash
• Keep waste containers out of reach of children and pets
• Never leave used gloves on surfaces or floors

Accessibility and Organization

• Keep gloves easily accessible in areas where they will be used
• Use wall-mounted glove box holders in high-use areas
• Maintain adequate stock to ensure availability during emergencies
• Store different sizes and types separately with clear labeling
• Place glove dispensers at handwashing stations for convenience

Special Considerations for Children

Pediatric Sizing

Children may need smaller glove sizes for certain activities. Extra small and small sizes are available for older children participating in first aid training or art activities where gloves protect from paints and chemicals.

Teaching Children About Glove Use

• Explain why caregivers wear gloves in age-appropriate terms
• Help children understand that gloves protect everyone's health
• Lead by example - children learn by watching adults use proper techniques
• For older children, teach basic hygiene and when gloves are necessary
• Make glove use routine during first aid or science activities at school

Safety Around Young Children

Frequently Asked Questions

Quality and Standards

Medical-grade disposable gloves must meet specific regulatory standards to ensure safety and effectiveness:

• In the United States, gloves are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
• In Europe, gloves must meet CE marking standards
• Quality gloves undergo testing for tensile strength, elongation, and barrier integrity
• Look for certifications on packaging indicating compliance with standards
• Examination gloves should meet ASTM D6319 standards for nitrile or ASTM D3578 for latex
• Purchase from reputable manufacturers and suppliers

Key Takeaways