Engaging in hand hygiene before donning nonsterile gloves does not reduce bacterial counts on gloves, rendering that hand hygiene step unnecessary, according to research published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Researchers collected bacterial samples before gloving and after gloves were removed from two groups of healthcare workers in contact isolation intensive care units. One group of workers put on gloves directly, while the other group performed hand hygiene before gloving.
Bacteria colony counts were no different between groups.
The study concluded hand hygiene before gloving as recommended by the World Health Organization lacks evidence for its utility.
Researchers collected bacterial samples before gloving and after gloves were removed from two groups of healthcare workers in contact isolation intensive care units. One group of workers put on gloves directly, while the other group performed hand hygiene before gloving.
Bacteria colony counts were no different between groups.
The study concluded hand hygiene before gloving as recommended by the World Health Organization lacks evidence for its utility.
