By what percentage does hand washing increase the protective nature of gloves?

Hand washing significantly enhances the protective nature of gloves by increasing their effectiveness against contaminants and pathogens. This increase is attributed to the reduction of the microbial load on hands before donning gloves, thereby minimizing the risk of transferring harmful organisms even when gloves are worn.

When hands are washed properly, the adherence of bacteria and other pathogens is greatly diminished, which means that even if gloves have micro-tears or are compromised in some way, the level of contamination is substantially reduced. This results in a cumulative protective effect that is quantified as an increase in protection.

The statistic reflecting that hand washing can improve the protective capacity of gloves by 60% is supported by research and health guidelines that emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings. By integrating hand washing into the process of glove use, healthcare professionals can significantly enhance safety measures against infections.