Which type of PPE is most commonly used in healthcare settings to protect the hands?

Gloves are the most commonly used type of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings for protecting the hands. They serve as a barrier between the healthcare worker's hands and potentially infectious materials, such as blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces. By wearing gloves, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens to themselves and to patients during procedures, examinations, or when handling samples.

In addition to their protective function, gloves also help maintain hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination between different patients or environments. They are essential for various healthcare activities, including administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and conducting surgical procedures.

While face shields, aprons, and caps have specific uses in protecting other areas of the body or head, they do not fulfill the specialized role of hand protection that gloves provide in a healthcare environment.