Under what condition should gloves be changed?

Gloves should be changed when they become contaminated to maintain the integrity of infection control practices. The primary purpose of wearing gloves is to act as a barrier between the skin and potentially infectious materials. If gloves become contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or any other hazardous substances, they can no longer provide the necessary protection, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Changing gloves after contamination ensures that workers are protected and that any environment they are working in remains safe for both themselves and others. This practice is essential in health care and handling situations to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.

While time frames or conditions such as tearing might seem reasonable for changing gloves, they do not account for the most critical factor—contamination. Regular changing of gloves based only on time intervals without considering contamination may lead to increased risk of exposure to infectious materials.