Sterile Gloves: When You Need to Wear Them
Sterile Gloves: When You Need to Wear Them
Sterile gloves are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are worn to protect the wearer from exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. They are also worn to protect the patient from the wearer's own germs.
Sterile gloves are made of a thin, flexible material that is impervious to liquids and gases. They are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to fit different needs.
When should sterile gloves be worn?
During surgery: Sterile gloves are always worn during surgery to protect the surgical team from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.
During childbirth: Sterile gloves are worn by the medical professionals who deliver the baby to protect them from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.
In laboratories: Sterile gloves are worn by laboratory workers to protect them from exposure to infectious agents.
When handling blood or other potentially infectious materials: Sterile gloves should be worn whenever there is a risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
When administering injections: Sterile gloves should be worn whenever injections are administered to protect the patient from exposure to the healthcare worker's germs.
When cleaning up blood or other bodily fluids: Sterile gloves should be worn whenever blood or other bodily fluids are cleaned up to protect the person cleaning up from exposure to the blood or fluids.
How to put on sterile gloves
To put on sterile gloves, follow these steps:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Open the glove package and remove one glove.
3. With your ungloved hand, grasp the cuff of the glove that is still in the package.
4. Turn the glove inside out so that the palm is facing you.
5. Slip your hand into the glove.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the other glove.
How to remove sterile gloves
To remove sterile gloves, follow these steps:
1. Undo the ties or snaps on the glove cuffs.
2. With your ungloved hand, grasp the cuff of the glove that is still on your hand.
3. Peel the glove off your hand, inside out.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the other glove.
5. Dispose of the gloves in a biohazard container.
It is important to follow these steps carefully to prevent the spread of infection.
Benefits of wearing sterile gloves
There are many benefits to wearing sterile gloves, including:
Protection from exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials: Sterile gloves provide a physical barrier between the wearer and these potentially harmful substances.
Protection from the wearer's own germs: Sterile gloves help to prevent the spread of infection from the wearer to the patient.
Improved comfort: Sterile gloves are made of a thin, flexible material that is comfortable to wear.
Improved safety: Sterile gloves help to prevent slips and falls, as well as the spread of infection.
If you are working in a healthcare setting or if you are exposed to blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials, it is important to wear sterile gloves to protect yourself and others.