Quick Response: Why do I have to wash my hands, if I am wearing gloves?
This question was submitted by a general dentist: Why do I have to wash my hands, if I am wearing gloves?
Dr. Nita Mazurat, representing the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP) has provided this quick initial response
Hand hygiene is performed because hands are a potential source of contamination to the patient, when placing gloves or during treatment.
Microorganisms grow exponentially in the warm moist environment of the glove. If a glove becomes compromised during treatment, there is more protection to the patient, if the hands have been washed and perhaps even more if they were washed using an antimicrobial agent.
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