In medical, laboratory, and other environments requiring strict sterility, the correct procedure for wearing and removing sterile gloves is crucial.
Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or lab technician, mastering this skill is essential to protect yourself and prevent cross-contamination.
Below is a detailed guide on how to wear and remove sterile gloves and important precautions to follow.
The PUREZERO HG3 sterile nitrile gloves are designed for critical cleanroom environments, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing and sterile compounding, offering superior protection.
Preparation Before Wearing Sterile Gloves
- Clean Your Hands
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water. Pay special attention to areas like between the fingers, under the nails, and around the wrists.
- Dry your hands completely using a clean paper towel or a hand dryer.
- Choose the Right Gloves
- Select gloves that fit your hands comfortably. Gloves that are too small may tear, while gloves that are too large may hinder your grip.
- Ensure the gloves are not expired and the packaging is intact.
- Prepare a Sterile Environment
- Ensure the workspace is clean and disinfected. Surfaces that might come in contact with the gloves should be sterilized to prevent contamination.
Steps to Wear Sterile Gloves Properly
- Open the Package
- Carefully tear open the glove package without touching the gloves inside. Place the gloves on a sterile surface.
- Put on the First Glove
- Using your ungloved hand, hold the edge of the first glove and gently slide your hand inside. Ensure the glove’s interior remains uncontaminated.
- Put on the Second Glove
- Using your gloved hand, hold the edge of the second glove. Avoid touching the outside surface of the glove and gently insert your other hand.
- Adjust the Gloves
- Check that the gloves fit snugly and cover your wrists. Adjust carefully to ensure proper fit without compromising sterility.
Precautions While Wearing Sterile Gloves
From gloves and pipette tips to sterile filters, we offer a wide range of products to support your laboratory needs.
- Avoid Non-Sterile Surfaces
- Once the gloves are on, do not touch anything outside the sterile field.
- Maintain Proper Posture
- Keep your hands in a position that reduces strain on the gloves, such as at chest level.
- Regular Checks
- Inspect your gloves during use for tears or damage. Replace immediately if compromised.
How to Safely Remove Sterile Gloves
- Start With the First Glove
- Pinch the outside of the first glove near the wrist without touching your skin. Pull the glove inside out as you remove it.
- Remove the Second Glove
- Hold the first glove in your gloved hand. Slide your bare fingers inside the second glove at the wrist and peel it off inside out, enveloping the first glove.
- Dispose of Used Gloves
- Place the gloves in a designated medical waste container. Never dispose of them in regular trash bins.
- Clean Your Hands Again
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing the gloves to ensure no contaminants remain.
Key Points to Remember
- Always work in a clean, sterile area to maintain glove sterility.
- Replace gloves immediately if they become torn or contaminated.
- Never reuse disposable sterile gloves.
- Practice the procedure regularly to ensure proficiency.
By following these steps, you can maintain a sterile environment and uphold the highest standards of hygiene and safety in your work. Proper use of sterile gloves protects not only you but also those you serve, ensuring a safer and more effective workflow.