[The efficacy of repeated disinfection of disposable gloves during usage]

The efficacy of disinfecting medical gloves with isopropanol 60% (v/v) while they are worn was assessed for 4 different brands of latex gloves (Biogel Diagnistic (A), Safeskin Satin Plus (B), Safeskin LPE (C) and Baxter Non-Sterile Latex Exam Gloves (D)) and one latex-free nitrile glove (100% Nitrile N-Dex (E)). Even in the presence of coagulated blood disinfection of the gloves was more efficient than disinfection of the bare hand. The efficacy of the disinfection of glove C, D and E decreased if 10 disinfections were carried out successively. An increase of perforations detected with the water inflation test according to EN 455-1 was found for brand E. As gloves of brand C and D became tacky after 10 disinfections, they were inappropriate for manual work. As a result, disinfection with isopropanol 60% (v/v) can be recommended for gloves of brand A and B only. Disinfection of these gloves is admissible e.g. after indirect patient contact, taking blood samples or laboratory work if no visible contamination or perforation has occurred. However, after contact with patients suffering from an infectious disease or carrying multiresistant organisms the gloves have to be changed. The same holds true if the gloves might be contaminated with naked viruses (e.g. Poliomyelitis virus), since virucidal alcoholic hand disinfectants require high concentration thus leading to materials incompatibility.