What is the recommended practice after using gloves?

Disposing of gloves properly is the recommended practice after their use, especially in medical and clinical settings. This is crucial for infection control and safety. Gloves often come into contact with potentially infectious materials, such as blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. Therefore, disposing of them correctly minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and prevents the spread of infectious agents.

Proper disposal typically involves placing gloves in a designated biohazard waste container if they are contaminated, or in regular waste if they were used in a non-contaminated manner. This practice helps to ensure a safe environment for both healthcare workers and patients.

The other options, such as re-using gloves or washing and storing them, pose significant risks. Re-using gloves can contaminate subsequent patients or surfaces, while washing gloves can cause damage to the material and may not effectively remove contaminants, thus undermining hand hygiene efforts. Therefore, proper disposal is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic healthcare or laboratory environment.