Final answer:
Gloves are required in healthcare when there is exposure risk to blood or other body fluids, to prevent infection. Along with using gloves, proper handwashing and disposal are critical components of safety protocols for healthcare workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the healthcare setting, gloves must be worn when there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials such as body fluids (e.g., semen, saliva). This precaution is vital for reducing the risk of transmission of infections, particularly for health-care workers who may come into contact with these fluids through activities like drawing blood, handling tissue samples, or administering intravenous medications. Additionally, gloves protect against transmission through other routes, such as via contaminated catheters, dental procedures, piercings, or wounds.
Proper hand hygiene is a crucial component of infection control. Health-care workers should practice thorough handwashing between every patient contact, after removing gloves, and when in contact with bodily fluids and potentially infectious materials. Disposal protocols must be followed for gloves and other protective gear, ensuring that they are discarded in biohazardous waste containers to prevent further risk of contamination or infection spread.