After contact with which type of material should gloves be changed?

Changing gloves after contact with infective material is crucial for preventing the spread of pathogens and maintaining infection control standards. Infective material includes anything that may harbor infectious agents, such as blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. When gloves come into contact with these materials, they can become a means of transmission if reused or unintentionally touched to other surfaces or individuals.

By changing gloves after contact with infective material, healthcare workers minimize the risk of cross-contamination and protect both themselves and patients from potential infections. This practice is fundamental to standard precautions, which emphasize the need for protective barriers against all fluid exposures that could transmit infections.

In contrast, other options involve scenarios where glove changes may not be as critical. Routine cleaning materials and non-contaminated surfaces do not generally pose an infection risk that necessitates immediate glove changes. Essential supplies may not require glove changes either, provided no contact with contaminating materials occurs. Thus, focusing on contact with infective material promotes a more rigorous infection control strategy.