Sterile gloves are commonly used by healthcare professionals to maintain aseptic conditions and protect both the patients and the workers from infections. Putting on sterile gloves properly is crucial to ensuring safety and cleanliness in medical settings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to don sterile gloves correctly.

1. Choose the right size: Select sterile gloves that fit your hands comfortably, not too tight or too loose. Tight gloves may limit your dexterity, while loose gloves may increase the risk of contamination.

2. Perform hand hygiene: Prior to gloving, clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3. Prepare a clean surface: Place the sterile glove packet on a clean, dry surface that is free of contaminants.

4. Open the packet: Carefully open the sterile glove packet without touching its contents. The inside of the outer wrap should not come into contact with any surfaces once opened.

5. Assess the gloves for damage: Visually inspect each glove for signs of damage, such as tears or punctures.

6. Position the gloves on the wrapper: Lay out the gloves on their respective sides of the opened outer wrapper – left glove on the left side, and right glove on the right side – with their cuffs facing you.

7. Grasp the first glove: Pick up only one glove at a time with your dominant hand by gently pinching it at its folded cuff.

8. Slip on the first glove: Keeping your other hand flat and fingers extended, slip it into the first sterile glove without touching its exterior.

9. Adjust the first glove: Once your hand is inside, unfurl and adjust it carefully until it fits snugly around your hand while minimizing contact with its exterior surface.

10. Glove the non-dominant hand: Using your gloved dominant hand, carefully grasp the second glove at its folded cuff, avoiding contact with the exposed outer surface. Slide the glove onto your non-dominant hand, unfurl, and adjust as necessary.

11. Check for a snug fit: Ensure there are no folds or wrinkles in either glove and that they fit comfortably on both hands.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully put on sterile gloves following these 11 steps. By incorporating proper techniques into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and promote a safer workplace for everyone involved.