When should gloves be changed according to the guidelines?

Changing gloves as necessary based on tasks is essential for maintaining safety and hygiene. While there may be specific requirements for glove use depending on the context, regularly replacing gloves helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures that protective barriers remain effective throughout various procedures.

For example, if gloves become damaged, contaminated with hazardous materials, or if the type of task being performed changes—such as moving from a procedure that involves handling chemicals to one involving direct patient contact—changing gloves becomes crucial. This practice aligns with the principles of infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, where gloves should always be clean and appropriate for the current task at hand. This approach ensures that safety measures are upheld continuously, rather than being based on a rigid schedule or arbitrary intervals.