Putting on gloves before a surgical gown can decrease the risk of sleeve contamination, according to research published in the Journal of Arthroplasty.
Researchers conducted a comparative study assessing gown contamination differences between three gown- and glove-wearing techniques. Participants exposed their hands to ultraviolet light and light-disclosing lotion before putting on a surgical gown with their preferred technique, as well as with a proposed technique. Gowns were analyzed under UV light for sleeve contamination.
The key details to know:
1. Putting on gloves before a surgical gown resulted in zero contamination in all samples.
2. All samples using closed and open staff-assisted techniques showed some level of contamination.
3. Researchers concluded, "The glove-first technique demonstrates zero sleeve contamination throughout all samples regardless of experience level. We strongly recommend considering the use of this glove and gown donning technique as opposed to the currently accepted closed and open techniques in an effort to reduce gown contamination."
