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Why is double gloving recommended in surgical procedures?

Preventing SSIs: The Role of Double Gloving and Regular Glove Changes

In a study of 162 gastrointestinal surgeries, glove perforations were found in 133 cases (82.1%). 1 Based on these results, the importance of double gloving and regularly changing surgical gloves is emphasized to help reduce the risk of exposure and ensure better protection.

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What is Double Gloving?

In the medical industry, the term “double glove” refers to the practice of wearing of two pairs of gloves (known as double gloving). Double gloving is intended to reduce the risk of occupational infections among healthcare workers and to help prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients.2


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOUBLE GLOVE USE?

  1. Reduces perforations that can lead to cross-contamination and infection transmission.2
  2. Using a darker-coloured glove worn under a lighter-colored glove, makes any tears or punctures in the outer glove more visible.
  3. Reduces healthcare worker exposure to blood and body fluids by 65%.3


Why Double Gloving Is Essential in Surgical Settings?

During surgery, healthcare workers are most at the highest risk of blood contact due to punctures or tears in their gloves. Double gloving can reduce the likelihood of inner glove perforations by 71%, offering significantly greater protection than using a single pair.4


Professional Organizations That Recommend Double Gloving

When compared to a single glove layer, double gloving is recognised as best practice for infection prevention due to reduced inner glove perforations, thus enhancing safety for both patients and healthcare workers.2

  • Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (ACORN)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA)
  • American College of Surgeons (ACS)
  • The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
  • International College of Surgeons (ICS)
  • World Health Organisation (WHO)

Why Operating Theatre Staff Should Double Glove

While single-use gloves offer a critical barrier against pathogen transmission and reduce occupational exposure to blood and body fluids, double gloving, especially with a breach indication system provides significantly greater protection and peace of mind.

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How to reduce surgical glove failure

Glove perforations during surgery can increase the risk of infection for both healthcare workers and patients. Learn how wearing double gloves helps prevent perforations and improves the visibility of any damage by approximately 86%.5

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Non-Latex Solutions for Double Gloving

References
  1. Minako, K et al., Incidence of surgical gloves perforation in abdominal surgery. Journal of the Japan Society of Surgical Infection. 2019; vol. 16(4): 197–202
  2. Rippon MG, Rogers AA, Ousey KJ. Glove breach occurrence during surgical procedures: the benefits of double/indicator system gloves. J Hosp Infect. 2025;161:92-113.
  3. Childs T. Use of double gloving to reduce surgical personnel's risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens: an integrative review. AORN J. 2013;98(6):585-596.e6.
  4. Mischke C, Verbeek JH, Saarto A, Lavoie MC, Pahwa M, Ijaz S. Gloves, extra gloves or special types of gloves for preventing percutaneous exposure injuries in healthcare personnel. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014(3):CD009573.
  5. Laine T, Aarnio P. How often does glove perforation occur in surgery? Comparison between single gloves and a double-gloving system. American journal of surgery 2001;181:564-6

The content of these pages is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals. The information provided is not designed for or directed towards the general public. Viewer discretion is advised for non-professional audiences.