Lab Glove for Safety

Inverted image of glove used in the lab. Contamination of hands may occur when laboratory procedures are performed. Hands are also vulnerable to “sharps” injuries. Disposable micro biologically approved latex, vinyl or nitrile surgical-type gloves are used widely for general laboratory work, and for handling infectious agents and blood and body fluids. Reusable gloves may also be used but attention must be given to their correct washing, removal, cleaning and disinfection.

Gloves should be removed and hands thoroughly washed after handling infectious materials, working in a biological safety cabinet and before leaving the laboratory. Used disposable gloves should be discarded with infected laboratory wastes. Allergic reactions such as dermatitis and immediate hypersensitivity have been reported in laboratory and other workers wearing latex gloves, particularly those with powder. Alternatives to powdered latex gloves should be available.

Stainless steel mesh gloves should be worn when there is a potential exposure to sharp instruments e.g. during postmortem examinations. Such gloves protect against slicing motion but do not protect against puncture injury.
Gloves should not be worn outside the laboratory areas.