# Gloving

## Overview

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) during procedures includes the safe management of ‘sharps’, encompasses high-level measures such as health facility design and management, protocol-based measures such as adherence to national and facility level guidelines, and individual actions by each health care provider and ancillary staff member. The health care provider is encouraged to familiarise themselves with their facility’s specific IPC protocols and reporting systems, which is outside the scope of this module.

All clinical procedures pursue the IPC goal of asepsis. The traditional hierarchy of sterile, aseptic, and clean is outdated, poorly-defined and misleading, and is no longer recommended. This module describes the difference between sterile (surgeon’s) and non-sterile (examination) gloves, and how to glove and unglove safely. Gloving for theatre is described in Scrubbing and Gowning.

## Sterile gloves

Sterile gloves are supplied in a sterilised packet with an expiry date, and are free of any micro-organisms. They usually come in sizes 5.0 to 9.0 — your size is roughly the measurement around the palm of your hand above your thumb, expressed in inches. It is safer to use two pairs of gloves (double-gloving) in surgery, but this is not a requirement, and it uses up gloves quickly. See here for when to use sterile gloves.

## Non-sterile gloves

Non-sterile gloves are supplied in boxes (sized small, medium or large) and are clean but not sterilised. When donning, try to touch only the cuffs for cleanliness. Doffing works the same way as for sterile gloves. Use non-sterile gloves for contact precautions and procedures where ANTT can safely be practiced.

## Donning sterile gloves

## Doffing sterile/non-sterile gloves

## Using gloves safely

## References