In healthcare settings, gloves are one of the most recognizable symbols of infection prevention. From students to experienced professionals, their use is essential when there is a risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or potentially infectious materials.
However, although gloves are a fundamental protective device, they never replace hand hygiene. Treating them as an alternative can seriously compromise infection prevention and control practices.
Why gloves are not enough
The World Health Organization (WHO) is clear on this point:
“Medical gloves can reduce the risk of infection, but they are never a substitute for hand hygiene.”
Gloves must be used in addition to hand hygiene, not instead of it.
Incorrect use — for example:
- wearing the same pair of gloves for multiple patients
- not changing gloves between procedures
- not performing hand hygiene before and after use
can turn gloves from a protective barrier into a vehicle for cross-contamination.
Scientific evidence shows that, although gloves reduce direct hand contamination, protection is not complete and inappropriate use is common. In some cases, incorrect use may even increase the risk of pathogen transmission.
What scientific evidence shows
Numerous observational studies highlight a critical issue: glove use is often associated with a decrease in hand hygiene compliance.
A multicenter study conducted in England and Wales found that gloves were used in over a quarter of hand hygiene opportunities, but without proper execution of the procedure.
Even in high-intensity settings such as intensive care units, the literature shows that glove use alone does not improve compliance unless supported by a strong hand hygiene culture.
WHO guidelines reaffirm a key principle:
glove use never changes the indications for hand hygiene.
Hand hygiene is always required:
- before putting on gloves
- after removing them
- according to the WHO 5 Moments
The psychological factor: false sense of security
One of the main risks associated with glove use is a false sense of protection.
Many professionals unconsciously tend to reduce their attention to:
- correct timing
- technique quality
- adherence to recommended moments
Furthermore, gloves are easily contaminated through contact with surfaces, devices, and patients.
During removal, if technique is incorrect, microorganisms can transfer directly to the hands.
For this reason, hand hygiene after glove removal is essential.
Environmental and organizational impact
Excessive and inappropriate glove use contributes to increased healthcare waste.
WHO highlights that reducing unnecessary glove use while strengthening hand hygiene allows to:
- improve patient safety
- optimize resources
- reduce costs
- limit environmental impact
Evidence-based best practices
The message for healthcare professionals is clear:
✔ Gloves are essential when indicated, for example in case of:
- contact with blood or body fluids
- contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes
- aseptic procedures
✔ Hand hygiene is always required:
- before putting on gloves
- after removing them
- according to the WHO 5 Moments
✔ Gloves must never become a shortcut or a substitute for hand hygiene.
Cultural change: from apparent protection to real protection
Gloves and hand hygiene are complementary tools, not interchangeable.
Prioritizing gloves at the expense of hand hygiene weakens prevention strategies and puts both patients and professionals at risk.
Real safety comes from:
- correct technique
- daily consistency
- respect for scientific evidence
- professional awareness
Because in healthcare, it is not enough to wear gloves.
We must truly protect.
Ready to build a stronger hygiene culture in your hospital? Contact us for further information or to request a consultation.