A pilot study to evaluate sterile and non-sterile gloves following routine dental procedures

Abstract

The prevalence of blood-borne viral infections such as HIV, HBV and HCV has resulted in the need to ensure measures are instituted to minimise risk of exposure to these pathogens in the health care setting. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the integrity of various glove types following dental procedures and to determine any occupational problems associated with different glove types, especially in regard to double gloving.The gloves were assessed visually by the dental health care worker (DHCW) at the beginning and end of a procedure with respect to any visible damage or blood contamination. The gloves were kept following use and tested electronically in order to detect any non-visible perforations. In addition to assessing damage and blood contamination following use, the DHCW also provided details relating to ease of use of the gloves as well as difficulties with double gloving for procedures.Up to 15 per cent of the gloves that were tested in this study demonstrated defects at the end of a procedure. Surgical quality gloves used in this study were more likely to be intact at the end of a procedure. Double gloving was only achievable with certain glove types. Further studies are required to verify these results and determine whether a new and separate standard for gloves for dental treatment is necessary. [AIC Aust Infect Control 2000; 5(4):17-23].