Gloves and Hand Washing

摘要

As I was reviewing the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) online Discussion Forum, I came across a topic to which I had not given much thought. This topic at times seems so simple, but, in discussing it with others, it can become very complex. The topic pertains to wearing gloves when setting up an endoscope for procedures. To wear gloves, or not to wear gloves?The initial posting on the Discussion Forum asked whether it was common practice in gastrointestinal (GI) labs to wear gloves when placing valves in the endoscope or when setting up an endoscope prior to a procedure. It seemed to be of especial concern if the patient was in the room during the set up. Are wearing exam gloves (not sterile gloves) better or more appropriate than simple hand washing?