Glove powder: implications for infection control.
Gloves are increasingly promoted for use by healthcare workers, but this use is not without risk. Data associating powdered gloves with an increased risk of latex allergy is available and there is circumstantial evidence that the powder used may increase bacterial environmental contamination. In animal models, corn starch, the material used as glove powder, promotes wound infection. Infection control teams need to be aware of this evidence and should support switching from use of powdered to powder free gloves.
Dave
J
J
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds. jyshreed@pathology.leeds.ac.uk
Wilcox
M H
MH
Kellett
M
M
D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011208:Powders; D012307:Risk Factors
D011208:Powders