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What is in the surgeon's glove?
S W Newsom1, C Rowland, F C Wells
1Papworth Hospital, Cambridge.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Surgical hand hygiene practices were evaluated, finding skin tolerance crucial for agent selection. Antiseptic-coated gloves and closed glove changes effectively suppress skin flora during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Hygiene
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Surgical site infections remain a significant concern.
- Effective surgical hand hygiene is paramount in preventing pathogen transmission.
- Understanding the impact of different protocols on skin flora is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess surgeon attitudes towards surgical hand hygiene agents.
- To investigate the microbiological impact of glove changing techniques.
- To evaluate the efficacy of antiseptic-coated gloves and handwash routines.
Main Methods:
- Surveys on surgeon preferences and attitudes regarding hand hygiene agents.
- Microbiological sampling to assess skin flora before and after procedures.
- Comparison of 'open' versus 'closed' glove changing techniques.
- Evaluation of antiseptic-coated gloves versus standard gloves with various handwash routines.
Main Results:
- Surgeon's primary consideration for hand hygiene agents was skin tolerance.
- 'Closed' glove changing demonstrated superior microbiological control compared to 'open' changing.
- Antiseptic-coated gloves significantly suppressed skin flora, even post-prolonged operations, outperforming standard gloves.
Conclusions:
- Skin tolerance is a key factor influencing the choice of surgical hand hygiene agents.
- Implementing 'closed' glove changing protocols enhances microbiological safety.
- Antiseptic-coated gloves offer improved and sustained suppression of skin flora, contributing to better surgical hygiene.