Surgical Gloves

• Wide variety of materials, each one catering to the different needs of the procedure, the patient, and the glove wearer;
• Relatively inexpensive, safe to use (if one is allergic to latex, there are other materials available;
• Protects the wearer from contracting infections due to cross contamination;
• Easily disposed, low risk of transferring contaminants since they are single use;
• Surgical gloves are available in multiple sizes. There is a size for everybody;
• Gloves conform to size and shape of hand, translating to a comfortable fit for the wearer;
• Relatively inexpensive;
• Gloves are ambidextrous, enabling use on both hands.

Correct size of glove must be worn by the user, as gloves that are too big may slip off mid-examination or if they’re too tight, they may break. In either case, safety for the wearer and the patient is comprised.

If the individual is allergic to latex, alternative material must be used. If unsure, an alternative material should be used in case the individual is allergic. Testing for a reaction to determine if allergic or not should be undertaken.

Surgical gloves are slipped over the hands, ensuring correct fit and comfort is attained. Slight adjustments may be necessary in order to achieve this. The wearer is ready for surgical operation.

It is imperative that the gloves are not used if the packaging or seal is compromised. Evidence of this may suggest tampering or loss of sterility. If one should come across gloves inside comprised packaging, the correct course of action is to dispose of it quickly and safely.

• It is of utmost importance that gloves are not reused. Once used, the device is not fit to be salvaged for further used, as sterilization cannot be retained. Re-using gloves can result in infections being transmitted between health practitioner and patient;
• Must prepare the gloves for use in a clean, sterile environment, absent of bodily fluids or other sources of contamination;
• Sterile gloves must be worn for invasive procedures;
• Promptly and safely dispose of any gloves that have touched a potentially contaminated surface;
• Correct material must be selected according to procedure – high risk procedures require a glove material that is puncture resistant i.e. nitrile gloves;
• Care must be taken when selecting the correct glove size – A comfortable, correct fit is imperative for the wearer to perform a procedure to a high standard and to maintain safety;
• It is important to ensure examination gloves are not used in surgery. Whilst they are similar, surgical gloves are manufactured to a higher standard and are more resistant to damage than examination gloves. This is due to the higher risk of contamination in environments that would require the use of surgical gloves;
• If the individual is allergic to latex, gloves made from an alternative material must be used. If unsure, an alternative material should be used in case the individual is allergic. Testing for a reaction to determine if allergic or not should be undertaken before latex gloves can be safely worn.