For years people have been aware of the importance of sterile gloves. These products are made to be free of any bacteria or germ. Sterile Gloves aims to protect against infectious diseases such as E. Coli, HIV, and Hepatitis. Sterile gloves also protect medical staff from infections. As well as infections, there are many other issues, which can come from having unsanitary gloves.
Sterile examination gloves, commonly known as field exam gloves, are essential when dealing with various biological hazards, such as infectious diseases. Sterile gloves go a step further in that they are also free from microorganisms or bacteria. However, a sterile field glove goes even further than just being completely sterile in that it also is free from cross-contamination. In this case, contamination can occur when a test material is introduced into the genital area of a patient while taking a sample. If other people in the clinical laboratory also have contact with the contaminated material, this could lead to cross-contamination.
Therefore, hospitals must always review their current policies regarding the storage and disposal of all medical equipment. These policies should also include specific skill level requirements for usage. Where the handling and storage of these materials are unavoidable, especially where specialized or sensitive items are involved, it is advisable to delegate storage responsibility to a suitably qualified staff member. This storage responsibility aims to limit the chances of cross-contamination, especially where personnel is working close to patients.
For special purposes, such as surgical equipment, the procedure must be conducted in a completely sterile area. In the case of an aseptic technique, it is necessary to ensure that the area is well-cleaned before each use. Any medical waste material (from a surgical site) is properly disposed of. This last point is important as it may compromise the effectiveness of the aseptic technique and thus increase the risk of contamination. The aseptic technique usually involves the use of disposable devices. Therefore, medical staff needs to understand the importance of ensuring the correct usage and disposal of all devices used in this situation. The use of non-sterile gloves must be carefully monitored throughout a surgical procedure.
As part of pre-operative hygiene, all personnel must wear and use sterile gloves before making any physical contact with anything within the vicinity of the surgical procedure. This includes but is not limited to the area where the operating scopes, cannula, and other tools will be placed. Additionally, it includes cleaning and sterilizing the instruments, all surfaces used during the procedure, and any area where human or animal urine may enter.
