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Blood exposure in single versus double gloving during pelvic surgery
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse, NY 13210.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Double gloving significantly reduces visible blood on surgeons' hands during obstetric and gynecologic surgeries, enhancing the sterile barrier and preventing intraoperative cross-infections. This study highlights the importance of double gloving for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Safety
- Infection Control
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding surgical gloves' efficacy as sterile barriers.
- Intraoperative cross-infections are an increasing concern in surgical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of single versus double gloving in maintaining a sterile barrier.
- To assess the incidence of visible blood on surgeons' hands during major obstetric and gynecologic operations.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted during 45 consecutive major obstetric and gynecologic surgeries.
- Visible blood on surgeons' hands was recorded for both single-gloved and double-gloved procedures.
Main Results:
- Visible blood was present on single-gloved hands in 38% of cases.
- Visible blood was noted on double-gloved hands in only 2% of cases (p < 0.001).
- The sterile barrier was compromised intraoperatively, allowing particles the size of red blood cells to cross.
Conclusions:
- Single gloving may be suboptimal for maintaining a sterile barrier during surgery.
- Double gloving significantly improves the integrity of the patient-surgeon sterile barrier.
- Double gloving is recommended to enhance patient safety during pelvic surgery.