Notes

Sterile Gloves
Sterile gloves are a key tool in maintaining a sterile field. Unlike non-sterile gloves, sterile gloves are packaged in individual sterile wraps. The sterile wrap keeps the gloves from becoming contaminated with microorganisms. Sterile gloves should be worn while performing or assisting with invasive procedures such as when treating open wounds and when applying a sterile dressing. On the other hand, non-sterile gloves should be worn whenever healthcare workers remove a dressing or perform other non-invasive procedures.

Procedure for Donning Sterile Gloves
Health care workers must remember that when they are donning sterile gloves their hands should never touch the outside of the gloves. As soon as the gloves are touched on the outer surface, the gloves become contaminated and cannot be used for sterile procedures. Individual agencies may have specific procedures that their employees must follow. The following process is an example of a sterile glove procedure that might be found at any agency.
1. Remove all watches, rings, and jewelry from hands and wrists. Cleanse your hands thoroughly.
2. Place a package of sterile gloves on a clean counter.
3. Peel open the plastic outer packaging of the gloves. Remove the inner package and place it on the counter.
4. Unfold the inner package by touching only the outer surfaces.
5. Arrange the package so that the cuff end of the gloves is facing your body, but do not touch the inside of the wrapper.
6. Grasp the glove for your dominant hand by the fold of the cuff with the finger and thumb of your nondominant hand.
7. Insert your dominant hand and pull the glove on with the nondominant hand. Keep the cuff turned back.
8. Place your gloved fingers under the cuff of the other glove.
9. Insert your nondominant hand into the glove. Pull the inside fold of the cuff upward with the dominant hand. Avoid touching
the outside of the cuff as it has already been contaminated.
10. Place fingers under cuffs to smooth over wrists.
11. Check the gloves for tears and holes. If the gloves are torn, remove them and start over with a new pair.
12. Keep your hands above waist level. Do not touch anything other than items in a sterile field.
If you must prepare a sterile tray for a procedure, prepare the tray first, and then don the sterile gloves. Sterile gloves should be put on immediately before you begin a procedure. This reduces the chance of contamination.

The procedure for removing sterile gloves is similar to the procedure for removing non-sterile gloves. The most important thing for health care workers to remember is to avoid touching the outer surface of the gloves. Individual agencies may have specific procedures that their employees must follow. The following process is an example of a sterile glove procedure that might be found at any agency.
1. Grasp the cuff of your dominant hand with your nondominant hand.
2. Pull the glove off inside-out.
3. Hold the removed glove in your nondominant hand.
4. Slip your ungloved fingers inside the cuff of your gloved hand. Do not touch the outer surface of the gloves.
5. Pull the glove off inside-out.
6. Dispose of gloves in a biohazardous waste container.
7. Cleanse your hands.