Surgery poses an increased risk of bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposure to healthcare professionals and patients. Surgical gloves have been recognized as an effective barrier to minimize this risk and reduce potential cross-contamination that can lead to the development of healthcare-associated infections.1
Evidence supports the use of double gloving with a darker-colored underglove, as part of an indicator system, to decrease the risk from percutaneous injury and provide an
effective barrier to BBP exposure.2
Double gloving is advocated by many international health and perioperative organizations.
REFERENCE
1. Berguer R. Key strategies for eliminating sharps injuries during surgery. AORN Journal. 2011 Jul;94(1):91-96.
2. Waljee JF, Malay S, Chung KC. Sharps injuries: the risks and relevance to plastic surgeons. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Apr;131(4):784-791
3. Laine T, Aarnio P. How often does glove perforation occur in surgery? Comparison between single gloves and a double-gloving system. Am J Surg. 2001;181(6):564-566.