Incidence of glove perforations in gastrointestinal surgery and the protective effect of double gloves: a prospective, randomised controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of glove perforations during various types of gastrointestinal surgery, to record the incidence of blood contamination of the hands, and to evaluate the protective effect of double gloving.


METHODS
Randomised prospective trial.


METHODS
University hospital, Denmark.


METHODS
566 pairs of gloves tested on surgeons, assistants, and scrub nurses.


METHODS
The participants were allocated to wear either single gloves or Indicator double gloves.


METHODS
The number of glove perforations and the incidence of blood contamination of the hands.


RESULTS
The perforation rate in single gloves was 53/306 (17%), and that of both outer and inner Indicator gloves at corresponding sites was 6/260 (2%) (p < 0.0001). Double gloving reduced the rate of blood contamination of the hands among surgeons from 15/115 (13%) to 2/98 (2%) (p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of Indicator double gloves is recommended in gastrointestinal surgery because of the appreciable protection against blood contamination that they offer.
Naver
L P
LP
Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Denmark.
Gottrup
F
F
D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies