What should you do after wearing gloves?

After wearing gloves, the proper practice is to dispose of them correctly. Gloves are designed for single-use to prevent contamination and the spread of pathogens; thus, throwing them away ensures that any contaminants or infectious materials are safely removed and do not pose a risk of transmission to yourself or others.

Washing hands immediately after disposing of gloves is also a critical step, but it occurs after the gloves have been discarded, not immediately after wearing them. Re-using gloves or leaving them on can lead to cross-contamination and can undermine the purpose of wearing them in the first place. Proper glove management is essential in maintaining hygiene standards, especially in healthcare settings where the risk of infection is heightened.