In healthcare and infection control, general purpose utility gloves are primarily designed for which type of routine task?

Introduction / Context:
In medical and laboratory settings, different types of gloves are used for different purposes. Choosing the correct glove type is important for both infection control and personal safety. General purpose utility gloves are distinct from sterile surgical gloves or examination gloves. They are intended for routine cleaning and decontamination tasks rather than direct contact with sterile body sites. This question asks you to recognise the main use of general purpose utility gloves.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• General purpose utility gloves are usually made of heavy duty rubber or similar durable materials.
• They are reusable after appropriate cleaning and disinfection.
• Sterile surgical gloves are thin, disposable and used only for surgeries and invasive procedures.
• Laboratory handling of tubes often requires disposable examination or specialised gloves, not heavy duty cleaning gloves.

Concept / Approach:
General purpose utility gloves are designed primarily to protect healthcare workers during tasks such as cleaning surfaces, washing instruments, handling disinfectants and dealing with potentially contaminated waste. Their thicker material offers better protection against chemicals and sharps than thin examination or surgical gloves. They are not sterile and are not meant to be used during surgery or when directly handling sterile equipment that will enter the patient body. Therefore, among the options given, their primary intended use is for cleaning and decontamination procedures, not for surgery or specialised sterile lab handling.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that sterile surgical gloves are specifically manufactured, packed and used for surgical operations.Step 2: Recognise that general purpose utility gloves are typically thicker, reusable and not sterile.Step 3: Identify the typical tasks for which heavy duty gloves are used: scrubbing floors, cleaning spills, washing instruments before sterilisation and handling disinfectants.Step 4: Understand that such tasks fall under cleaning and decontamination procedures rather than surgeries.Step 5: Note that handling delicate laboratory tubes in sterile conditions is usually done with lighter, examination type or specialised gloves.Step 6: Conclude that the primary purpose of general purpose utility gloves is cleaning and decontamination work.

Verification / Alternative check:
In infection control guidelines, glove types are often listed separately: sterile gloves for invasive procedures, non sterile examination gloves for contact with blood and body fluids, and heavy duty utility gloves for cleaning and environmental tasks. Utility gloves are recommended for washing instruments, cleaning environmental surfaces and managing chemical disinfectants because they provide strong barrier protection and can be decontaminated and reused. These guidelines confirm that general purpose utility gloves are not intended for surgery or delicate sterile procedures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Performing sterile surgical operations requires single use, sterile surgical gloves that come in sealed packages and are carefully donned to maintain sterility. General purpose utility gloves are not sterile and would be inappropriate and unsafe for surgery. Handling delicate tubes in sterile laboratory conditions again requires gloves designed for dexterity and sterility, not heavy, reusable cleaners. Saying all of the above is incorrect because the uses mentioned require different glove designs and sterility standards.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may assume that any glove can be used for any purpose as long as hands are covered, but infection control practice distinguishes glove types clearly. Another mistake is to think that thicker gloves are always better, regardless of sterility or dexterity needs. To avoid such errors, remember that general purpose utility gloves are mainly for environmental cleaning and handling chemicals, while surgical gloves are for invasive procedures and examination gloves are for direct patient contact and specimens.

Final Answer:
General purpose utility gloves are primarily used for cleaning and decontamination procedures, not for performing surgeries.