How to Safely Remove Gloves

What is the correct procedure for removing gloves to prevent contamination?

To remove gloves safely, one should peel them off without touching the outside contaminated surface, dispose of them properly, and then wash hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove potential contaminants. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Step by Step Guide to Removing Gloves Properly

A. Make sure that the glove touches only gloves

When removing gloves in a laboratory or healthcare setting, it is essential to do so in a manner that prevents contamination. The correct procedure involves carefully peeling one glove away from the hand with the other gloved hand, ensuring that the outside of the glove only touches the other glove. This is done by gripping the exterior of the glove near the wrist and pulling it away from the hand, turning the glove inside out in the process.

B. Pull the glove off by the fingers

After one glove is removed, the ungloved hand should slide underneath the remaining glove at the wrist, again peeling it off inside out and encasing the first glove within it. This method ensures minimal contact with the contaminated surface of the gloves.

C. Reach inside the glove with the gloved hand to pull it off

Once both gloves are removed, they should be disposed of in a biohazard garbage receptacle. Following glove removal, it is crucial to perform handwashing thoroughly. Hands should be washed with soap, focusing on all areas including between the fingers and under the fingernails, for at least 20 seconds and rinsed with water flowing from the wrist to the fingertips. This practice is vital to remove any microorganisms that may have been transferred during the glove removal process or through potential micro-tears in the gloves.