Understanding the Hazards of Glove Powder

HEALTHCARE ECONOMICS AROUND THE POWDER ISSUE The business of running a hospital involves many factors that would be impossible to address here. The cost of care needs to co-exist with the quality of care. However, positive patient outcomes are an expectation. A hospital has the responsibility to provide a safe environment for its healthcare employees and its patients, and to comply with multiple agency regulations. In addition to the time and expense of removing powder from gloves prior to patient use, there is also the cost of replacing sterile gowns that may become contaminated when HCWs attempt to remove powders from the upper part of the glove with a rinse technique. Technically, gloves should be rinsed of powder prior to touching the outside of the gown. The cost of procedures to remove powder from gloves after donning is offset by the cost of powder-free gloves. It is a challenge to ask the staff to change their practices if they do not perceive glove powder to be an issue. The subject has appeared in literature for an extended period, demonstrating that glove powders are problematic and serious. Consider these direct costs that may be associated with the use of powdered gloves: Cost of washing gloves Employee health issues (sick time) Loss of salary for extra sick days taken Cost of replacing missing trained staff Workman’s Compensation for occupational asthma Doctor visit cost - Cost of diagnostic tests, medication, or treatments Cost of testing employees for latex allergy Cost of infection incidents Loss of Physician - Professional search - Decreased productivity with MD absent Powder issues should stimulate an organization to be proactive in response to the evidence.

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