Description
Here’s a more detailed look at their applications:
Medical Procedures & Surgeries:
Invasive Procedures:
Sterile gloves are mandatory during surgeries, catheter insertions, central line placements, and other invasive procedures to prevent infection.
Wound Care:
They are used when changing sterile dressings on surgical wounds or applying them to wounds where infection risk is high.
Delivery:
Sterile gloves are essential during childbirth to prevent infection.
Dialysis:
They are worn during dialysis procedures to protect patients from infection.
Chemotherapy:
Sterile gloves are used when administering chemotherapy drugs to protect both the patient and the healthcare worker.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations:
Immunocompromised Individuals:
Individuals with weakened immune systems often wear non-sterile gloves for routine tasks, but sterile gloves may be required in situations where their protection is compromised.
Neonates and Premature Infants:
Sterile gloves are used during procedures like tracheotomies in these vulnerable populations.
Other Applications:
Handling Sterile Equipment:
When handling surgical instruments or other sterile items, sterile gloves are used to maintain sterility.
Laboratory Settings:
Sterile gloves may be used in some laboratory settings to prevent cross-contamination.
Protecting Against Chemicals:
In some cases, sterile gloves provide protection against chemical exposure.
Key Considerations:
Sterility:
Sterile gloves are crucial for maintaining a sterile environment, preventing the introduction of microorganisms.
Material:
Latex and nitrile are common materials used in sterile gloves, with nitrile being a popular choice for those with latex allergies.
Proper Handling:
Sterile gloves must be handled properly to avoid contamination during donning and removal.