Perforation rate using a single pair of orthopedic gloves vs. a double pair of gloves in obstetric cases

Abstract

Our purpose was to determine the perforation rate for a single pair of orthopedic gloves vs. a double pair of regular gloves in obstetric cases. Faculty, residents, medical students, and surgical technicians were assigned randomly to use either double gloves or single orthopedic gloves. After each procedure, the gloves were examined by filling with water, occluding the cuff, and observing for streams of water. The perforation rate for the double gloves (both inner and outer glove at the same location) was 7% (12/169), similar to the 7% (12/172) for single orthopedic gloves (P < 0.9). After adjusting for procedure type there was no association between the type of gloves and perforation rate. Fifty‐four percent of all perforations were not recognized intraoperatively. Of those individuals with glove perforations, 4/24 (17%) observed blood on the hand at the end of the procedure. Double‐gloved users complained more frequently than single‐gloved users of loss of dexterity (77/169, 46%, 95% CI 38–53%) vs. (6/172, 3.5%, 95% CI 0.7–6%) (P < 0.001) and numbness (12/169, 7%, 95% CI 3.2–11%) vs. (1/172 0.6%, 95% CI 0.55–1.7%) (P < 0.005). Although the use of a single pair of orthopedic gloves is more costly than a double pair of regular gloves ($78 vs. $15 per box), it is as safe and as effective as a double pair of gloves in maintaining a sterile barrier. The primary advantage of a single pair of orthopedic gloves is that surgical dexterity is minimally compromised when compared to double gloves. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Investigation of Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Glove Perforation in Small Animal Surgery

“…This study lacked the power to assess for a protective effect associated with the use of orthopedic gloves specifically, as only 48 pairs of these gloves were used over the study period. In previous studies, orthopedic glove use was associated with decreased incidence of glove perforation compared with standard gloves, and were equivalent to double gloving in protective effect …”

“…In previous studies, orthopedic glove use was associated with decreased incidence of glove perforation compared with standard gloves, and were equivalent to double gloving in protective effect. 19 Associations between increased risk of glove perforation and increased surgery duration, orthopedic procedures, use of air-powered instruments such as surgical drills or oscillating saws, and use of surgical cerclage wire have been previously reported for surgeons operating on people. 20 These findings presumably reflect cumulative increased tensile stress on the glove material eventually resulting in failure.…”

Influence of orthopedic reinforced gloves versus double standard gloves on contamination events during small animal orthopedic surgery

“…Several studies have assessed the effect of orthopedic gloves and double gloves on wearer dexterity . While objective assessment of dexterity testing has generally failed to identify differences, double glove users have been shown to complain more frequently of loss of dexterity and numbness compared with wearers of single orthopedic gloves . One study found that double gloving compromised surgeon function on sensory testing compared with single standard gloving .…”

Recommended Practices for Prevention of Transmissible Infections in the Perioperative Practice Setting

“…Wearing one pair of standard thickness gloves on top of a pair of standard thickness colored gloves facilitates the wearer's rapid recognition of perforations to the outer glove 17 Wearing a single pair of orthopedic gloves (ie, thicker latex gloves) provides the same protection from perforations as does two pairs of standard latex gloves 18 Wearing two layers of colored gloves does not assist in recognizing breaches to the glove closest to the wearer's skin 19–21 …”

“…Wearing a single pair of orthopedic gloves (ie, thicker latex gloves) provides the same protection from perforations as does two pairs of standard latex gloves 18 …”