According to CDC's standard precautions, when are gloves required for PCTs?

Gloves are required for Patient Care Technicians when handling linen soiled with blood due to the risk of exposure to infectious materials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves when there is a possibility of coming into contact with blood or body fluids that could pose a health risk. This practice is crucial for infection control and protects both the patient and the healthcare worker from potential transmission of pathogens.

In other scenarios, while gloves may be beneficial, they are not strictly required under standard precautions. For example, obtaining vital signs typically does not involve blood or bodily fluids, feeding a patient with a stroke requires careful consideration of the patient’s condition, and dressing a patient who needs complete assistance may or may not necessitate gloves based on whether any exposure to secretions or body fluids is anticipated. Thus, the requirement for gloves is specifically tied to activities that directly involve handling potentially infectious waste or materials, underscoring the importance of maintaining a safe and sterile environment in healthcare settings.