Optimizing Barrier Protection During a
Pandemic Event Caused by Influenza A

Optimizing Performance During a Pandemic Event PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF GLOVES It is important to ensure that gloves do not come in contact with anything that will cause them to deteriorate. You should also change gloves if they come into contact with chemicals or materials that might harm them, such as acids, alkalis, disinfectants, or sterilants. DO NOT WASH OR DISINFECT GLOVES FOR REUSE. Petroleum-based products cause latex gloves to degrade. If you are using latex gloves, you need to ensure that you use appropriate lotions that are compatible with your gloves. Age is vital to the integrity of the glove. Store the gloves so that your gloves are rotated, using the oldest gloves first. Keep gloves in their original packaging until needed. It is important to follow manufacturers’ suggested storage temperatures and guidelines to ensure optimal life of the latex glove. Typically, gloves should be stored in a cool, dry location at 50 - 72° F (10-20° C). In the case of sterile gloves of any type, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses’ 2004 Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines recommends, “To ensure that only sterile items are presented to the sterile field, all items should be inspected immediately before presentation to the field for proper packaging, processing, seal, package container integrity, and inclusion of a sterilization indicator that has changed color demonstrating that sterilization parameters were met. If an expiration date is provided, the date should be checked before opening the package and delivering the contents to the field. Outdated items should not be used.” 53

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