AANEM Connect

With a virus spread by aerosolized droplets, N95 masks and face shields seem absolutely necessary while examining a patient, even if they have no signs of COVID-19. However, gloves may seem to slow down the performance of nerve conduction testing more than they provide increased safety. I have spoken to surgical colleagues working in an ICU  who feel that they are usually not necessary and slow down the procedure being performed. I have not seen any scientific studies which show that gloves are of benefit when performing nerve conduction studies, or any other patient contact with COVID-19. I have just begun opening my practice and do use every possible PPE including gloves, but these measures do greatly slow down the testing and increase my contact with the patient at least 50%. Gloves make it very difficult to handle the adhesive on electrodes, especially tape. I wonder how others feel about gloves and whether they actually expose us to the virus more than they protect us.