Sterile gloves are used by carefully opening the package, donning the first glove by touching only the folded cuff, and then using the gloved hand to don the second glove by touching only the outside of the gloved hand to maintain sterility.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
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Preparation:
- Ensure you have the correct size sterile gloves. Gloves that are too small may tear, and those that are too large can compromise dexterity.
- Check the packaging for any tears or damage. If the package is compromised, the gloves are no longer sterile.
- Gather any other necessary equipment.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Even with sterile gloves, proper hand hygiene is critical to prevent infection.
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Opening the Package:
- Place the sterile glove package on a clean, dry, flat surface.
- Carefully peel back the outer wrapper without touching the inner gloves. The outer wrapper is considered non-sterile.
- The inner package should now be visible, containing the sterile gloves.
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Donning the First Glove:
- Carefully open the inner package, exposing the gloves.
- With your non-dominant hand (which is considered clean at this point), grasp the folded cuff of the glove for your dominant hand. Touch only the folded cuff.
- Lift the glove up and away from the package.
- Carefully insert your dominant hand into the glove, keeping your fingers pointed forward. Avoid touching anything with your ungloved hand except the inside of the glove cuff.
- Pull the glove onto your hand, but do not adjust the cuff yet.
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Donning the Second Glove:
- Now that your dominant hand is gloved and considered sterile, use it to pick up the second glove.
- Slide your sterile, gloved fingers under the folded cuff of the second glove. Your sterile gloved hand should only touch the sterile outer surface of the second glove.
- Lift the second glove up and away from the package.
- Carefully insert your non-dominant hand into the second glove, keeping your fingers pointed forward.
- Pull the glove onto your non-dominant hand.
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Adjusting the Gloves:
- Now that both hands are gloved, you can adjust the gloves for a comfortable fit.
- Interlock your fingers to help seat the gloves properly.
- Using one gloved hand, carefully adjust the cuff of the other glove.
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Maintaining Sterility:
- Once gloved, keep your hands above your waist and away from your body.
- Avoid touching any non-sterile surfaces.
- If you suspect a glove has been contaminated (touched a non-sterile surface, torn, or punctured), immediately remove the gloves and repeat the entire procedure with a new pair of sterile gloves.
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Removing the Gloves:
- Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it off, turning it inside out as you remove it. Hold the removed glove in your gloved hand.
- Slide the fingers of your ungloved hand under the cuff of the remaining glove, avoiding touching the outside of the glove.
- Peel the second glove off, turning it inside out as you remove it, encapsulating the first glove within.
- Dispose of the gloves properly in a designated biohazard waste container.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
