Sterile Gloves

Sterile gloves are used in hospitals and other medical institutes for various purposes. They are is used for preventing the transmission of germs from our hands to the object or person we are working on.

A glove is a covering which is worn on the hand. Sterile gloves are very important nowadays. If the doctors or nurses do not use the sterile gloves, the chances of patients getting infected is very high. Infection can occur due to either bacteria or fungi. Infection may lead to the death of the patient and it may also be noted that if the doctors or nurses do not use the sterile gloves, the chances of themselves getting infected is also very high.

Until late in the 19th century, most surgeons operated with their bare hands. The first surgeon who used sterilised gloves was Werner Zoege Won Manteuffel.

Doctors and nurses should take very much care when putting on sterile gloves without contaminating them. When putting on sterile gloves, remember that the first glove should be picked up by the cuff only. The second glove should be touched only by the other sterile glove.

Preparations are necessary for putting on surgical gloves. For this we have to prepare a large clean dry area for opening the pack of gloves. First open the glove pack and apply a surgical scrub on the hand and then open the pack of gloves. It is important not to touch anything and contaminate the gloves.

The person has to adjust the glove fingers until the gloves fits comfortably. Sterile gloves are cuffed. It makes it easier to put them on without contaminating. Gloves should be worn when in direct contact with blood, body fluids, non intact skin or mucus membranes. They should be changed after every task.

Sterile surgeons gloves are expensive and are not generally used for non-invasive procedures when sterile examination gloves would be adequate. Gloves used once for any surgery or any patient should not be used again.