Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
09:02

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens

Published on: June 7, 2017

Misuse of gloves: the foundation for poor compliance with hand hygiene and potential for microbial transmission?

E Girou1, S H T Chai, F Oppein

  • 1Infection Control Unit, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France. emmanuelle.girou@hmn.ap-hop-paris.fr

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|June 9, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Improper glove use significantly hinders hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, increasing the risk of patient infection. Changing glove practices is crucial for improving infection control in hospitals.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Healthcare Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Hand hygiene is critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections.
  • The role of glove use in hand hygiene compliance requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess how improper glove use impacts hand hygiene compliance.
  • To determine the risk of microbial transmission due to incorrect glove management.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study in a French university hospital.
  • Observation of 120 healthcare workers across intensive care and medical wards.
  • Recording staff-patient and staff-environment contacts and hand hygiene practices.

Main Results:

  • Hand hygiene was omitted in 64.4% of instances due to improper gloving.
  • Potential microbial transmission occurred in 18.3% of contacts due to failure to remove used gloves.
  • Contaminated glove management was a key factor in poor hand hygiene compliance.

Conclusions:

  • Improper glove use is a significant barrier to effective hand hygiene.
  • Changing healthcare worker behavior regarding glove use is essential for reducing microbial transmission and improving patient safety.

More Related Videos

Cell Culture Techniques and Practices to Avoid Contamination by Fungi and Bacteria in the Research Cell Culture Laboratory13:39

Cell Culture Techniques and Practices to Avoid Contamination by Fungi and Bacteria in the Research Cell Culture Laboratory

Published on: July 7, 2023

Automated Hospital Room Disinfection Utilizing a Novel Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Microdroplet Disbursing Technology06:27

Automated Hospital Room Disinfection Utilizing a Novel Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Microdroplet Disbursing Technology

Published on: February 24, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps01:15

Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps

To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps01:19

Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps

The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings.
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury.  The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment01:18

Handwashing I: Introduction and Types of Equipment

Handwashing is hand hygiene with plain or antimicrobial soap and water to physically remove dirt, organic material, and microorganisms. However, it may not kill all microorganisms. The handwashing procedure requires a hand wash basin, liquid soap, paper towels, a domestic waste bin, and disposable nail cleaner as optional equipment.
Hand wash basins in clinical areas should have faucets that can be turned on and off without using the hands; that is, they should be non-touch or lever-operated.
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing01:10

PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing

The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.