Removing sterile gloves properly is essential to maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of infections. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and hygienic removal of gloves.
Step 1: Prepare for glove removal
Before removing your sterile gloves, ensure that you have completed the necessary tasks, such as disposing of any used materials, cleaning your hands, and gathering all the tools you will need.
First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This step is important to remove any potential contaminants from your hands before removing the gloves.
Secondly, gather all the tools you may need to remove the gloves, such as scissors or a sharp object to avoid contamination while removing the gloves. Ensure that these tools are sterile and have been properly cleaned before use.
Step 2: Pinch and peel
To remove the gloves, hold the first glove by the outside of the wrist with your opposite hand. Pinch the glove material and gently peel it away from your hand, turning the glove inside out as you go.
Continue to peel the glove off until it is completely removed and contained within the palm of the gloved hand. Be careful not to touch the outside surface of the glove with your bare hand to prevent contamination.
Step 3: Create a glove pouch
After removing the first glove, create a glove pouch in your remaining gloved hand for the second glove. To do so, use your bare fingers to pinch the outside of the second glove near the wrist.
With the second glove still gloved, slide your fingers between the wristband of the remaining glove and your skin, constructing a pouch for the second glove. The inside of the second glove should be in contact with your skin to avoid contamination.
Step 4: Remove the second glove
With the glove pouch created, use your free hand to grasp the outside of the second glove near the wrist. Gently peel the second glove off, turning it inside out as you go, being careful not to touch the exterior surface of the glove with your bare hands.
Once the second glove is completely removed, it should be contained within the inside-out first glove, which is already in your gloved hand. The two gloves are now properly removed and contained for safe disposal.
Step 5: Discard gloves and wash hands
Properly dispose of the used gloves in a designated waste bin. It is crucial to dispose of the gloves immediately after removal to prevent the spread of contaminants.
After the gloves are discarded, wash your hands again using soap and water or hand sanitizer, following the proper hand hygiene guidelines. This step ensures that any potential pathogens or contaminants have been eradicated.
Note that the exact steps for removing sterile gloves may vary depending on the specific guidelines and protocols of your institution, organization, or industry. Always follow the instructions provided by your employer, supervisor, or healthcare professionals for glove removal procedures.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure a safe and hygienic removal of sterile gloves, reducing the risk of contamination and infection spread. It is important to remember that proper glove removal is just as crucial as proper glove usage in maintaining a sterile environment.
