Can double gloves improve surgeon-patient barrier efficiency?
Mir Sadat-Ali1, Ibrahim Al-Habdan, Mohammed AlBluwi
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. drsadat@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare double gloves (DGs) with single gloves (SGs) during orthopedic and trauma surgery in prevention of blood contact between patients and surgeons. DGs and SGs were collected after orthopedic operations, tested for size, site, and number of perforations. Medical records were reviewed for age, sex, type of operation, duration, and postoperative wound infection. Data were compared using t-test with level of statistical significance at P < 0.05. Five hundred seven operations yielded 1204 DGs and 830 pairs SGs. In DGs, perforations were detected in 220 outer glove and 39 inner glove (10.7%). In SGs, 226 perforations were detected (13.3%). The incidence of perforations in inner gloves of the double indicator glove was 1.6% (P < 0.001). During surgery, perforations were recognized in DGs in 67% compared with 12% in SGs (P < 0.005). This study confirms that DGs form an efficient barrier between patients and surgeons.
Related Concept Videos
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
Personal Protective Equipment
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...

