Consistent with observations in clinical medicine, leakage rates vary by glove material (eg, latex, vinyl and nitrile), duration of use and type of procedure performed, as well as by manufacturer. The frequency of perforations in surgeon's gloves used during outpatient oral surgical procedures has been determined to range from 6% to 16%.
Studies have demonstrated that HCP an dDHCP are frequently unaware of minute tears in gloves that occur during use. These studies determined that gloves developed defect in 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on type of glove and procedure.
Materials that come in contact with the gloves during dental procedures can affect the integrity of the gloves. The glove material may also affect the properties of the materials used. Latex, for instance, can affect the setting of polysiloxane imrpression material. The setting is apparently not affected by synthetic vinyl gloves.
If the integrity of a glove is compromised (eg, punctured), it should be changed as soon as possible. Washing latex gloves with plain soap, chlorhexidine or alcohol can lead to formation of glove micropuncture (wicking) and subsequent hand contamination.
After a hand rub with alcohol, the hands should be thoroughly dried before gloving, because hands still wet with an alcohol-based hand hygiene product increase the risk of glove perforation.
FDA regulates the medical glove industry, which includes gloves marketed as sterile surgeon's and sterile or non-sterile patient exmination gloves. More rigorous standards are applied to surgeon's than to examination gloves.
Recommendations
1. Wear medical gloves when a potential exists for contacting blood, saliva, OPIM or mucous membranes.
2. Wash hands thoroughly prior to donning of gloves.
3. Wear a new pair of medical gloves for each patient, remove them promptly after use then wash hands immediately to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments.
4. Remove gloves that are torn, cut or punctured as soon as feasible and wash hands before regloving.
5. Do not wash surgeon's or patient examination gloves before use or wash, disinfect, or sterilize gloves for reuse.
6. Ensure that appropriate gloves (eg, puncture- and chemical resistant utility gloves) when cleaning instruments and performing housekeeping tasks involving contact with blood or OPIM.
8. Consult with glove manufacturers regarding the chemical compatibility of glove material and dental materials used.