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An investigation on the safety of rewashed gloves
Abstract:
Despite recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services, some dental professionals are using rewashed gloves. To study the effects of repeated washings, latex gloves were washed up to 50 times and tested for defects before and after washing. Then, to investigate the safety of rewashed gloves, they were contaminated with either bacteriophage viruses or Staphylococcus epidermidis. After application of four commonly used hand-washing solutions, the contaminated gloves were washed one to five times and tested for residual organisms. Our results showed that one percent of the gloves had manufacturer's defects, and that repeated washings did not increase the incidence of these defects. Furthermore, in spite of significant reductions in the number of microorganisms on contaminated gloves after repeated washings, rewashed gloves remained infected with the test organisms. The results of this investigation indicate that rewashed gloves have the potential to cause cross-contamination.
Insights
Rewashed dental gloves may still harbor infectious organisms, posing a risk for cross-contamination. This study found that even after multiple washes, gloves contaminated with viruses or bacteria remained infected, despite reduced microbial loads.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- The Department of Health and Human Services recommends against reusing gloves.
- Some dental professionals continue to rewash and reuse latex gloves.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety and effectiveness of rewashed gloves in preventing pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of repeated washing on latex glove integrity.
- To determine the effectiveness of washing in eliminating microbial contamination from used gloves.
- To evaluate the risk of cross-contamination associated with rewashed gloves.
Main Methods:
- Latex gloves were subjected to up to 50 wash cycles to check for defects.
- Gloves were intentionally contaminated with bacteriophage viruses and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- Contaminated gloves were washed 1-5 times using common hand-washing solutions.
- Residual organisms were quantified on washed gloves to assess decontamination efficacy.
Main Results:
- One percent of gloves exhibited pre-existing manufacturer defects, unaffected by washing.
- Repeated washing significantly reduced microbial counts but did not eliminate all tested organisms.
- Rewashed gloves consistently showed the presence of residual bacteriophage viruses and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- The integrity of latex gloves was not compromised by repeated washing cycles.
Conclusions:
- Rewashed gloves, despite reduced microbial load, remain contaminated with infectious agents.
- The reuse of washed gloves presents a significant risk for cross-contamination in clinical settings.
- Adherence to guidelines prohibiting glove reuse is crucial for maintaining infection control standards.