Can gloves be washed or reused?

The practice of using gloves in a healthcare setting prioritizes infection control and patient safety. Gloves are designed for single use to prevent the transfer of pathogens between patients, healthcare providers, and surfaces. When gloves are used in procedures or while handling potentially contaminated materials, there is a significant risk that they may become contaminated. If they are reused or washed, especially in non-sterile situations, there is a high likelihood that pathogens could remain on the gloves and potentially lead to infections or the spread of disease.

Using gloves as intended—once for a specific task and then disposing of them—ensures that the highest level of barrier protection is maintained. This infection control practice is supported by guidelines from health organizations, emphasizing the importance of disposal after a single use. Therefore, the answer regarding the necessity of disposing of gloves after one use aligns with safe healthcare practices that protect both patients and healthcare workers.