Are gloves necessary when there is casual contact in a clinical setting?

In a clinical setting, the necessity of wearing gloves during casual contact hinges on the principles of infection control and the risk of transmission of pathogens. Choosing to prioritize proper hand hygiene can be sufficient under certain conditions. If a healthcare worker is engaging in casual contact that does not involve exposure to blood or body fluids, and the hands are clean, practicing proper hand hygiene (washing hands or using hand sanitizer) is typically considered an adequate measure to prevent the spread of infections.

The use of gloves becomes critical in situations where the risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces is heightened. By focusing on proper hand hygiene instead of wearing gloves in low-risk situations, healthcare workers can mitigate the potential for glove misuse, which can lead to cross-contamination or a false sense of security. Therefore, in many circumstances, proper hand hygiene alone is deemed sufficient for maintaining safety and preventing infection.