Single versus double-gloving for obstetric and gynecologic procedures

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the relative frequency of glove perforations in double-glove versus single-glove sets. Study Design In this prospective cohort study, surgeons single or double-gloved for pelvic surgery procedures at their own discretion. Gloves were collected at th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2007-05, Vol.196 (5), p.e36-e37
Main Authors: Lancaster, Christie, MD, Duff, Patrick, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Disease Transmission, Infectious - prevention & control
Equipment Failure
Female
glove perforations
Gloves, Surgical
Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
Humans
Obstetric Surgical Procedures
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Occupational Exposure - prevention & control
pelvic surgery
Prospective Studies
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Summary:Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the relative frequency of glove perforations in double-glove versus single-glove sets. Study Design In this prospective cohort study, surgeons single or double-gloved for pelvic surgery procedures at their own discretion. Gloves were collected at the end of each procedure and evaluated for perforations. Results We tested 1000 sets of gloves: 675 double-glove sets and 325 single-glove sets. The highest rate of perforation (19%) occurred during major gynecologic procedures. Surgical nurses were the most likely member of the surgical team to sustain a glove injury. There was no significant difference in the total perforation rate between double and single glove sets (10% vs 11%). However, there was a significantly greater potential for blood-skin exposure in the single glove sets. Eleven percent of single glove sets contained a perforation, whereas only 2% of double glove sets contained a corresponding defect in the inner and outer gloves ( P < .01). Conclusion Surgeons should double-glove for all pelvic surgery procedures.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2006.08.045