Effect of Glove Decontamination on Bacterial Contamination of Healthcare Personnel Hands

Abstract

We examined the effect of glove decontamination prior to removal on bacterial contamination of healthcare personnel hands in a laboratory simulation study. Glove decontamination reduced bacterial contamination of hands following removal. However, hand contamination still occurred with all decontamination methods, reinforcing the need for hand hygiene following glove removal.

Keywords: personal protective equipment; hand hygiene and gloves; transmission.