Unveiling the efficacy of latex gloves in preventing viral infections during needlestick injuries: An in vitro mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Gloves are personal protective equipment designed to prevent contamination and reduce the spread of microorganisms. This study aimed to assess in vitro the physical integrity of latex gloves and the retention of biological contamination in healthcare simulation. METHOD: Three different batches of latex procedure gloves from five different brands and specific batches were evaluated before use for physical integrity by the standard protocols of the Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and of the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moreover, the retention of biological contamination by latex procedure gloves in needlestick injury simulation with crystal violet and bacteriophages were applied in order to mimic human blood and virus presence. RESULTS: Brands D and C showed the best and worst results in the immediate inspections and after 2 min, respectively. For Brand C, damage occurred in one finger/region in a total of 12 gloves, while seven gloves were damaged/unable to be worn. Brand D presented only two gloves with tears and/or holes in one finger/region. Regarding the viral contamination, in a simulated needlestick injury, data showed no significant difference among the groups. CONCLUSION: All glove brands presented physical damage that might affect the spread of microorganisms. The gloves did not exert an additional protective effect during a needlestick injury simulation in accordance with the two techniques used in this study.

Protocol with non-toxic chemicals to control biofilm in dental unit waterlines: physical, chemical, mechanical and biological perspective.

Biosafety in dentistry aims to combat cross-contamination and biofilm in dental unit waterlines. The aim was to investigate from a physical, chemical, mechanical and biological perspective, a protocol for using chemical products (citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride) to improve and maintain water quality in dental unit waterlines. Change in microhardness and corrosion tendency were observed in stainless steel samples. On the polyurethane surfaces, there were changes in color, microhardness and roughness. Anti-biofilm evaluations revealed a significant reduction in the biofilm biomass, metabolic activity and residual biofilm. These findings suggest that the protocol analyzed in this study showed an innovative potential against biofilm in dental unit waterlines, preserving the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the materials.