Chemo gloves should be changed how often?

• A. Every 30 minutes
• B. Every 2 hours
• C. Every 24 hours
• D. After every patient

Answer: (A)

Protection from hazardous drugs relies on keeping the glove barrier fresh, because permeation can occur even when gloves look intact and exposure risk increases with time. For tasks involving chemotherapy handling, gloves should be changed at least every 30 minutes during preparation, handling, or administration, and immediately if there is contamination, a tear, puncture, or other breach. After finishing the work, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and don fresh gloves if you will continue handling hazardous drugs. Longer intervals or waiting until after a patient visit leave too much time for potential absorption or transfer, so the 30-minute interval is the safest, most practical standard.