Do disposable gloves need to be disinfected? How to disinfect disposable gloves?

We all know that disposable gloves are a common type of protective equipment. They have a good protective effect and can isolate viruses and bacteria to a certain extent to avoid virus infection. The use of disposable gloves also has certain requirements. So do disposable gloves need to be disinfected? Let's take a closer look!

Do disposable gloves need to be disinfected?

Disposable gloves generally do not need to be disinfected and are thrown away directly after use.

The disposable gloves sold in this pharmacy are also clean and generally do not contain viruses, so they can be used directly without disinfection.

There are many kinds of disposable gloves, both medical and civilian. It is recommended to blow them before use to see if there is air leakage. In fact, there is no disposable glove that completely blocks bacteria. The isolation rate of medical disposable gloves is above 98% and the isolation rate of civilian gloves is generally above 90%. This is under the premise of regular quality disposable gloves. If you buy poor quality ones, the effect will be greatly reduced.

For the general public, the benefits of wearing gloves are not as great as washing hands frequently. Moreover, wearing gloves may give people a false sense of security, which may increase their risk of exposure to the virus - for example, touching their face with a gloved hand after touching a contaminated surface. To truly provide protection, gloves must be used once or properly washed and kept dry. For the public, it is more practical and effective to wash hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer. "Close contact" in the virus transmission scenario usually refers to caring for a virus carrier, living or working with a virus carrier, or having direct contact with the respiratory secretions or body fluids of a virus-infected person.

How to disinfect disposable gloves

Disposable gloves are generally disinfected during the production process:

There are currently two main sterilization methods for the production of disposable sterilized medical gloves: ethylene oxide sterilization and gamma ray sterilization. Both methods aim to kill the microorganisms on the gloves to a certain extent, making the gloves sterile and safe during use.

1. Sterilization principle

Ethylene oxide sterilization is one of the chemical sterilization methods. Ethylene oxide is a broad-spectrum sterilant that uses the principle that it can react with carboxyl (-COOH), amino (-NH3), hydroxyl (-OH) and other groups on the proteins of microorganisms to inactivate the proteins and cause the death of the microorganisms, thereby achieving the purpose of sterilization.

After gamma ray sterilization is irradiated, the chemical substances (DNA) of the microorganisms on the sterilized object will change and the cell activity will be lost, thus achieving the purpose of sterilization. It is one of the radiation sterilization methods.

2. Operation steps

Ethylene oxide sterilization includes a series of steps such as pretreatment, vacuuming, adding gas, gas action process, ventilation, etc. The gamma ray sterilization process consists of two parts: sterilization verification and irradiation process. Before the work begins, the operability of the sterilization environment, sterilization equipment, and sterilized products in the sterilization procedure must be confirmed. The irradiation process can only be carried out after it is correct.

3. Subsequent treatment of gloves

After ethylene oxide sterilization, the gloves need to be left alone for a while until the gas dissipates before the subsequent processing can be carried out. However, after gamma ray sterilization, there is no need to wait and the subsequent processing can be carried out immediately.

When should disposable gloves be replaced?

Medical staff often come into contact with patients' blood, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin or other objects that may contain infectious pathogens, so disposable gloves are essential protective equipment for medical staff. Disposable gloves have a certain use time limit. Generally, during surgery, gloves need to be replaced every 90 minutes to prevent damage. However, there are several situations that require immediate replacement of gloves.

1. When gloves have come into contact with the patient's blood or body fluids, they need to be replaced immediately to avoid cross infection with subsequent patients;

2. After completing the examination of a patient, develop the habit of discarding gloves and change the habit of wearing gloves while touching computers, mobile phones, documents, etc.;

3. When gloves have come into contact with places that may be contaminated by pathogens, it is recommended to change into a pair of clean gloves for subsequent inspection work or contact with clean places.

Replacing disposable gloves in a timely manner may seem like a small action, but it can effectively reduce the incidence of infectious diseases and is related to the health of doctors and patients.

Advantages and disadvantages of disposable gloves

1. PE gloves

Material: PE, new material HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE production

Advantages: good quality, low price, wide range of uses

Disadvantages: relatively thin, not suitable for long-term use, suitable for one-time use

2. Nitrile gloves

Material: NBR, a synthetic rubber, mainly butadiene

Advantages: non-allergenic, biodegradable, pigments can be added, brighter colors

Disadvantages: poor elasticity, more expensive than latex products

3. PVC gloves

Material: Polyvinyl chloride

Advantages: low price, pigments can be added, bright colors

Disadvantages: Contains high levels of plasticizers (internationally recognized public enemy of health), easily volatilizes harmful gases when heated, and is non-degradable

4. Latex gloves

Material: Natural latex

Advantages: good elasticity, degradable

Disadvantages: Natural latex contains protein, which may cause allergies in some people. To solve this problem, nitrile rubber (a synthetic rubber) can be used to make gloves, because nitrile rubber does not contain protein and will not cause allergies at all.