What must be done with used gloves after cleaning an exam room?

After cleaning an exam room, the appropriate action for handling used gloves is to place them in a designated biohazard receptacle. This is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, gloves that have been used in a medical setting can be contaminated with pathogens or harmful substances, so proper disposal helps prevent the spread of infection and protects both staff and patients. Biohazard receptacles are specifically designed to safely contain and dispose of materials that pose a biological hazard, ensuring they are managed in a manner that mitigates any health risk.

Additionally, disposing of used gloves in regular trash is inappropriate as it could expose waste handlers and the general public to potential contaminants. Washing gloves for reuse is not advisable in a clinical environment because it may not effectively remove pathogens, and gloves are generally meant for single use to ensure safety. Keeping gloves on to handle other items increases the risk of cross-contamination. Thus, using a designated biohazard receptacle is the best practice in this scenario.