When should healthcare workers replace their gloves during patient care?

Healthcare workers should replace their gloves after each patient interaction or when they become contaminated to ensure a high standard of infection control. This practice is crucial because gloves serve as a barrier against pathogens and other harmful microorganisms.

When gloves are used during patient care, they can become contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other infectious agents. Replacing them not only protects the healthcare worker from potential exposure but also prevents the transmission of pathogens from one patient to another. This is essential in maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff, particularly in settings where patients may have compromised immune systems or be at high risk for infections.

The practice of changing gloves after each patient or when contamination occurs aligns with the principles of standard precautions, which emphasize treating every patient interaction with the same level of caution. By adhering to this guideline, healthcare workers play a vital role in controlling the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety.