Appropriate glove use in the prevention of cross-infection

This article aims to promote evidence-based practice in glove use and infection control. Evidence indicates that improvements in infection control practice can reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infection and exposure to communicable disease among healthcare workers. The correct use of gloves is vital in the healthcare environment. Gloves should be worn for invasive procedures, any contact with sterile sites, non-intact skin, mucous membranes and exposure to blood, body fluids and sharp or contaminated instruments. They should be worn only once, for one aspect of care and one patient, disposed of as clinical waste, and the hands decontaminated after removal.