What is the best practice for using gloves in a bloodborne pathogens context?

Using gloves when handling anything infectious and changing them between tasks is key to minimizing the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This practice ensures that any contaminants on gloves are not transferred from one task to another, which can happen if gloves are reused or not changed frequently.

Wearing gloves only during specific situations, such as patient examinations, or just when it is convenient, may create a false sense of security and increase the likelihood of exposure. It's critical to remember that bloodborne pathogens can be present in various situations beyond direct patient contact, such as when cleaning surfaces or handling medical waste. Changing gloves between tasks further protects both the healthcare provider and the patient by preventing cross-contamination and maintaining a higher level of safety in the healthcare environment.