Why Do Healthcare Workers Wash Their Hands Before Putting on Gloves?
Are you puzzled by the ritual of healthcare workers washing their hands before putting on gloves? It's a common misconception that doctors and nurses simply don't wash their hands when wearing gloves. This article aims to clarify the necessary hygiene steps involved in maintaining infection control and reducing the risk of cross-contamination in medical settings.
Proper Hand Washing Before Surgical Gloves
In a clinical or surgical setting, it is a fundamental practice for medical professionals to wash their hands thoroughly with anti-microbial soap and water for an extended period (usually 15-20 seconds) before donning sterile surgical gloves. This preliminary hand washing is crucial to remove surface bacteria and reduce the risk of introducing contaminants to the sterile field. For instance, before entering the operating room, doctors or nurses, those who will either touch surgical instruments or any part of the patient around the incision area, will go through this hand-washing protocol.
Furthermore, there are specialized 'scrub nurses' whose task is to ensure that all medical staff are dressed in sterile masks, caps, and gowns, and assist them in correctly putting on sterile surgical gloves. This meticulous step minimizes the risk of any bare skin touching the sterile outer surface of the gloves, thus maintaining the integrity of the sterile environment.
Washing Hands Before Examining Patients with Non-Sterile Gloves
In a clinical setting, when a doctor or nurse needs to assess a patient, they typically wear examination gloves. These gloves are not designed to be sterile but are used to protect the healthcare provider from the patient's germs and viruses. Before putting on these gloves, it is still a good practice for healthcare workers to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. However, even with thorough hand washing, these gloves are not sterilized and may get contaminated or soiled during the examination. In such cases, healthcare professionals are trained to discard the contaminated gloves and replace them with a new pair after washing their hands again. This process helps to minimize the risk of spreading contaminants to the patient or other medical tools.
Secure Hygiene: From Scrubbing to Gloving
The term 'scrubbing' refers to the process of thoroughly washing hands before medical procedures. It is essential to note that human skin cannot be made perfectly sterile; it carries naturally occurring bacteria. Therefore, while the gloves themselves are sterile when put on, that sterility is compromised once they are on the hands. However, the act of scrubs provides an additional layer of protection for the patient. The gloves offer a barrier to protect the patient while also shielding the healthcare provider from coming into contact with patient contaminants.
In extreme emergencies, rapid situational awareness and decision-making take precedence. In such cases, as one experienced healthcare provider mentioned, they performed an emergency cesarean section without going through the traditional scrubbing process due to time constraints. Despite the deviation from standard procedure, the overall approach to hygiene and infection control remains paramount for maintaining patient safety and health outcomes.
Conclusion
While it may seem counterintuitive, the practice of washing hands before putting on gloves is a critical component of maintaining hygiene and infection control in healthcare settings. Whether it's surgical gloves or examination gloves, proper hand hygiene is essential to ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. Understanding these practices not only addresses common misconceptions but also emphasizes the importance of stringent adherence to hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.