What is the purpose of gloves in a healthcare setting?

In a healthcare setting, gloves serve primarily to protect the skin on hands from harmful germs. This is crucial because healthcare workers frequently come into contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and patients who may carry infectious pathogens. Wearing gloves acts as a barrier that helps prevent the transmission of these harmful substances to the skin of the hands, thus reducing the risk of infection both for healthcare workers and patients.

Gloves are specifically designed to provide a protective layer that minimizes the chance of cross-contamination. They are part of standard precautions in infection control protocols, ensuring that when healthcare providers carry out tasks such as administering medications, performing procedures, or cleaning, they are safeguarded against potential infectious agents.

While gloves may offer some benefits in terms of grip and sensory perception, these are secondary to their primary function of infection prevention. Similarly, while keeping hands warm might be a consideration in other contexts, it does not relate to the core purpose of gloves in healthcare. The focus remains on their critical role in maintaining hygiene and safety in clinical environments.