Which gloves belong in a first aid kit?

Disposable examination gloves belong in a first aid kit; they are included in a basic-kit list. Choose a type and size that fit the people likely to help; nitrile is a latex-free option if latex is a concern.

Keep unused gloves clean

Examination gloves are not sterile wound dressings. They usually come in a dispenser, so an open box is not the same as a torn sterile wrapper. Keep unused gloves clean, dry and undamaged, and follow the storage directions on their packaging. One manufacturer’s product sheet for nitrile examination gloves identifies them as non-sterile and specifies cool, dry storage.

Use a fresh pair if you may touch blood or other body fluids. Clean your hands before reaching into a dispenser and after taking gloves off; hand hygiene helps avoid contaminating the other gloves in the box. Disposable gloves are for one use only.

Workplace quantities are different

Appendix E’s example workplace kit includes five pairs of disposable nitrile examination gloves. That is a workplace example, not a set quantity for every household kit.

For a workplace kit, see what its contents can include. Use the workplace first aid kit checklist to keep track of supplies.