Investigations on the efficacy of repeated disinfection of latex gloves during usage

The efficacy of disinfecting medical gloves with isopropanol 60% (v/v) whil e they are worn was assessed for 4 different brands of latex gloves (Biogel (R) Diagnistic (A), Safeskin(R) Satin Plus (B), Safeskin(R) LPE (C) and Bax ter Non-Sterile Latex Exam Gloves (D)) and one latex-free nitrile grove (10 0% Nitrile N-Dex(R) (E)). Even in the presence of coagulated blood disinfec tion of the gloves was more efficient than disinfection of the bare hand. T he efficacy of the disinfection of glove C, D and E decreased if 10 disinfe ctions were carried out successively. An increase of perforations detected with the water inflation test according to EN 455-1 was found for brand E. As gloves of brand C and D became tacky after 10 disinfections, they were i nappropriate for manual work. As a result, disinfection with isopropanol 60 % (v/v) can be recommended for gloves of brand A and B only Disinfection of these gloves is admissable e.g. after indirect patient contact, taking blo od samples or labratory work if no visible contamination or perforation has occurred. However, after contact with patients suffering from an infectiou s disease or carrying multiresistant organisms the gloves have to be change d. The same holds true if the gloves might be contaminated with naked virus es (e.g. Poliomyelitis virus), since virucidal alcoholic hand disinfectants require high concentration thus leading to materials incompatibility.