Influence of double-gloving on manual dexterity and tactile sensation of surgeons.

Background: Double-gloving in the performance of surgical procedures has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of blood contact with the hands of members of the surgical team. Concerns persist that double-gloving can compromise the dexterity and tactile sensitivity of the surgeon.

Study Design: Fifty-three surgeons and surgeons-in-training volunteered at the Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and were studied using the Purdue Pegboard test and a standard 2-point discrimination test to compare no gloves, a single pair of gloves, and double-gloving on manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity.

Double gloving: a risk reduction strategy.

Background: The use of sterile surgical gloves has become the international standard of care in the perioperative environment. Yet the potential for barrier failure exists, with the subsequent potential for the transfer of pathogens to both the patient and the surgical team. The practice of double gloving (wearing two pairs of sterile surgical gloves) is often considered a mechanism for managing the potential risk of exposure during surgery.

The changing face of hand protection.

Perioperative nurses are empowered to act as patient advocates. As such, it is their responsibility to critically evaluate all products used in the surgical environment, including gloves. A basic understanding of the history of surgical gloves, health issues associated with their use, glove materials, and the essential properties of hand scrubs can help perioperative nurses choose appropriate products.