Task-specific gloves should be worn by all OHCP to prevent contamination when?

Task-specific gloves are essential for oral health care professionals (OHCP) to reduce the risk of infection transmission and ensure safety during various procedures. Wearing gloves in these scenarios is critical for several reasons.

When OHCP anticipate direct contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), gloves serve as a barrier to prevent exposure. This is particularly important because blood and OPIM can harbor a variety of pathogens that could pose serious health risks if they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes.

In situations where OHCP have direct contact with patients known to be infected with specific pathogens, gloves are equally important to protect both the healthcare provider and other patients in the vicinity from possible cross-contamination.

Additionally, handling visibly contaminated patient care items is another scenario where the use of task-specific gloves is vital. Contaminated items can carry infectious agents, and proper use of gloves helps prevent these pathogens from being transmitted to the healthcare provider and to other surfaces or patients.

Given that all these situations involve potential exposure to infectious materials, the correct answer acknowledges that task-specific gloves should be worn in every case mentioned. This comprehensive approach to glove use emphasizes the importance of infection control practices in maintaining a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers.