Gloves are the most frequently used piece of PPE in home care — and the most frequently misused. Choosing the wrong glove, wearing it for the wrong duration, or removing it incorrectly can create more risk than no glove at all.
When Gloves Are Required
- Any anticipated contact with blood or body fluids: Wound care, catheter care, ostomy care, oral care, perineal hygiene — any task where body fluids may contact your hands.
- Contact with non-intact skin: Wounds, rashes, surgical sites require gloves for direct contact.
- Contact with mucous membranes: Mouth, nose, eyes, genital area — any mucous membrane contact requires gloves.
- Handling contaminated items: Used dressings, soiled linens, contaminated supplies.
- Client with known or suspected infection: Contact precautions for MRSA, C. diff require gloves for all patient contact.
Glove Types — Which to Use
Nitrile gloves
The standard for most home care tasks. Strong, puncture-resistant, latex-free, and provide good tactile sensitivity. First choice for wound care, body fluid contact, and most patient care tasks.
Latex gloves
Strong and tactile, but latex allergy is common. Always ask about latex allergy before using. If any doubt, use nitrile. Never use latex with a known latex-allergic client.
Vinyl gloves
Lower cost, lower protection. Appropriate for low-risk tasks with minimal body fluid contact. Not appropriate for wound care — they are more permeable and tear more easily than nitrile.
Critical Rules for Glove Use
- Change gloves between tasks: A glove used for perineal care must be removed before wound care — same glove cannot serve multiple tasks.
- Never touch clean surfaces with soiled gloves: Door handles, phone, clean supplies — remove gloves first.
- Never wash or reuse gloves: Single-use only. Washing degrades material and creates micro-perforations.
- Correct size matters: Too large = bunching and reduced dexterity; too small = tear risk.