Rubber gloves, how hygienic are they?

[askyourgran]

Everyone in the health sector uses them, and the food industry and I suppose several other industries, in a bid to stop infections being passed on to one another. However at my local cafe, the waitress wears them, handles the cash, collects and serves out dishes of food, and as far as I can tell, never ever changes those gloves. Do they think they don't have to wash their hands considering that they are protected by said gloves? It is the same at our hospital clinic. I have not looked at this in depth but I feel a bit suspicious about those gloves. Are they changed completely after toilet visits, and is there a set procedure in hospitals for changing them.

[ummmm]

They should be changed.

[Purple_Popple]

Oh, shudder to think AYG, but now you have got me paranoid - something else to add to my 'is this hygienic' list....lol - one would hope they do change their gloves regularly.

[Euphemia]

When I was in hospital last year they had different colours of gloves for different procedures and they were changed and discarded between visits to each patient.

[ubasses]

Shouldn't they be using the disposable ones and change them as they finish each job?

[askyourgran]

I'm not usually paranoid about anything, but I've seen people walking about with these gloves on and it makes me wonder how hygienic they really are.PP.The use of different coloured gloves is an excellent idea euphemia at least they are noticeable.

[JeniPeni]

when I had a coffee shop - we had our annual inspection from the health/food inspector. He hated shops (not mine of course!) where the assistants wore gloves because they think that because they can't feel any food, dirt etc on their hands then their hands are clean. Technically, they would need to wear a new pair of gloves after every single serving.

[askyourgran]

I would have thought they should change them ubasses but from my short visit to the cafe/health centre I haven't seen them being changed yet.

I would prefer it that they didn't wear them at all jeni at least they will wash their hands when they've been to the loo.

[AlBags]

Isn't the idea about wearing gloves to keep ALL germs off of your skin/hands etc and not worry about anyone else?! : )

[askyourgran]

Certainly looks like it AlBags. It's been bugging me for a while I keep wanting to ask if they change them throughout the day.

[tamborine]

Hospitals use disposables that are ubiquitous in each room/ward. They're not as strong as marigolds and dont have fluff lining, so can be uncomfortable hot/sweaty close fit after 10mins. Also very cheap:

http://www.justgloves...77qjakCFQoZ4QodOBSGjQ

[atalanta]

Heard the one about the surgeon who was told in no uncertain terms that the patient was allergic to latex, so he must not wear latex gloves for the operation?
Well, he began the operation with plastic gloves, got annoyed with them in the middle of the operation, and changed - to the forbidden latex ones.
The patient developed a severe reaction and died.
And - guess what - the surgeon was cleared of any involvement in her death

[NoMercy]

My Ambulance Trust policy on gloves is that you MUST wear them when in contact with bodily fluids or excreta, when the patient is infectious or has a known infectious illness (MRSA etc), or when the patients hygene is of a dubious standard. You must change the gloves when they are soiled and between patients. After that it is up to you. I will always wear the gloves upon first contact with a patient for two reasons. 1) I don't know the patient or their history, and i'm no good to anyone if i'm ill, and 2) they are really handy for writing on when doing obs.
Generally i've got dozens of gloves in my trouser pocket so that I always have spares to hand (no pun intended)

Love
Bob

[rowanwitch]

I helped out on a ward that had staffing problems just making beds and basic care things...I washed my hands every time I left a bedspace and changed my gloves. and apron A patient commented as he hadn't seen anyone do this and people ask me why I gave up nursing

[Sqad]

atalanta.....what were the post mortem findings?

Nothing to do with latex hypersensitivity......i bet!

[4getmenot]

our carers have hand gel they use before going in home and after. They also use new gloves on every visit.

[philkool]

rubber gloves are designed to keep your hands clean not prevent germs being transported,
you should wash hands after removing the gloves