Objective Medical gloves are designed to protect both the patient and the healthcare professional from: » Organic matter/biohazards on hands and skin. » Transmission of organic matter/biohazards already on the skin. Cross-infection with pathogens in blood/body fluids. The main hazards of being exposed to blood and body fluids include HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Herpes and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). The risk of infection transmission depends on the: » Level of pathogen concentration in carrier. » Mode of transmission (intact or broken skin, mucous membranes, percutaneous). » Volume of infectious fluid transferred. » Length of exposure. Effectiveness of barriers used to prevent infections. Situations where infection risk is great: » Sharps accidents (instruments and equipment). » Surgical procedures. » Passing instruments. » Aerosolized blood/ tissue and blood and body fluid splatter. » Blood seepage through inadequate barrier garment.