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.