Single versus double-gloving for obstetric and gynecologic procedures.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the relative frequency of glove perforations in double-glove versus single-glove sets.


METHODS
In this prospective cohort study, surgeons single or double-gloved for pelvic surgery procedures at their own discretion. Gloves were collected at the end of each procedure and evaluated for perforations.


RESULTS
We tested 1000 sets of gloves: 675 double-glove sets and 325 single-glove sets. The highest rate of perforation (19%) occurred during major gynecologic procedures. Surgical nurses were the most likely member of the surgical team to sustain a glove injury. There was no significant difference in the total perforation rate between double and single glove sets (10% vs 11%). However, there was a significantly greater potential for blood-skin exposure in the single glove sets. Eleven percent of single glove sets contained a perforation, whereas only 2% of double glove sets contained a corresponding defect in the inner and outer gloves (P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Surgeons should double-glove for all pelvic surgery procedures.
Lancaster
Christie
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Duff
Patrick
P
D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D013513:Obstetric Surgical Procedures; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies