Donning Sterile Gloves

Importance

• Tricky for New Students: Practice is crucial.
• Fit: Know your size (small, medium, large, extra-large, or specific sizes like 5 1/2, 6).
• Agency Equipment: Check sizing with available gloves before starting.

Preparation

• Hand Hygiene: Perform before starting the procedure.
• Surface: Place sterile gloves on a clean, dry, flat surface.

Opening the Package

• Inner Package: Turn outward to expose gloves.
• Starting Hand: Decide whether to start with right or left hand; practice to find comfort.

Putting on the Gloves

1. Right Hand (if starting with left):

   • Use left hand to grasp the folded inner surface of the glove for the right hand.
   • Insert right hand with palm facing up (like holding a pizza).
   • Pull the inner cuff over the right hand.

2. Left Hand:

   • Insert gloved right hand into the fold of the left glove.
   • Insert left hand with palm facing up.
   • Pull glove down onto the left hand.
   • Adjust the fitting and fingers if necessary.

Handling Sterility

• Sterile to Sterile: Once gloves are on, it's okay to touch glove to glove.
• Package: Treat like a sterile field with a one-inch border.
• Touching: Only touch the inner cuff with bare hands.

Detailed Steps

• Open Gloves: Flatten out the package, ensure it is opened correctly, and maintain a sterile field.
• Cuffs: Folded up to indicate the inner surface that touches the skin.

Additional Tips

• Personal Preference: Practice to find which hand to start with for personal ease.
• Fit: Ensure gloves fit properly; not too tight or too loose.
• Opening of Gloves: Open the package like a book using finger tabs.
• Wiggling Fingers In: Don’t rush; be patient to maintain sterility.

Final Adjustments

• Once Both Gloves are On: Adjust fingers and fit as needed using sterile to sterile contact.
• Ready for Procedure: Once gloves are securely donned and adjusted, you are ready to proceed with sterile procedures.