Safely Putting On Sterile Gloves

Sterile gloves are part of infection control in nursing.

Whether preparing for a head to toe assessment or administering care in a clinical setting, properly donning and doffing sterile gloves is vital to protecting clients from contamination.

This guide will explain how to put on sterile gloves and remove them.

Donning Sterile Gloves

Putting on sterile gloves requires attention to detail.

Here are five steps to follow.

1. Choose the right size.

Choosing the right size is key for comfort and effectiveness.

A glove that’s too tight may tear. A glove that’s too loose may compromise dexterity.

2. Clean the workspace.

Before opening the glove package, make sure you’re in a sterile environment.

Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. Make sure the surface where you place the gloves is clean and sterile.

Always keep your hands above the waist and below the shoulders like tyrannosaurus rex or alligator arms.

3. Open the sterile glove package.

Carefully peel back the sterile packaging without touching the inside.

Take out the inner package and place it on a clean surface. Open the sterile glove package from top to bottom and then side to side.

4. Put on the first glove.

Pick up the first glove by the folded cuff using your non-dominant hand.

Don’t touch the outside of the glove. Put your dominant hand into the glove, and make sure your fingers fit in each finger pocket.

5. Put on the second glove.

With your now-gloved dominant hand, pick up the second glove by slipping your fingers under the cuff.

Don’t touch the outside of the glove. Put your non-dominant hand into the glove.

Once both gloves are on, adjust them to fit. Don’t let them touch your skin or other non-sterile surfaces.

Doffing Sterile Gloves

Remove or doff sterile gloves carefully so you don’t contaminate your hands or the surrounding area.

1. Pinch and pull the first glove.

Pinch the outside of the first glove at the wrist.

Don’t touch your skin. Gently pull the glove away from the hand.

Turn it inside out as you remove it. Hold the removed glove in the palm of your still-gloved hand.

2. Slip fingers under the second glove.

Put two fingers from your ungloved hand under the cuff of the remaining glove.

Don’t touch the inside of the glove. Peel the second glove off, turning it inside out and trapping the first glove inside.

3. Dispose of gloves properly.

Once you remove both gloves, dispose of them in a biohazard waste container.

After removal, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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