Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Gloves: A Comprehensive Guide

Unless you work in the medical field, particularly in outpatient or inpatient surgery, you'll probably never need to wear sterile gloves. However, it's not a bad idea to know anyway so that you can further your own medical knowledge, as well as be prepared for any medical situation. Almost everyone in the health care industry uses nonsterile gloves on a daily basis. These are much easier to wear; however, there are few tips you should know.

Things You'll Need

• Nonsterile gloves
• Sterile gloves
• Clean, flat surface
• Soap
• Water

Show More

Instructions

Nonsterile Gloves

• 1

  Select two gloves from a box of nonsterile gloves.

• 2

  Insert hands inside each glove.

• 3

  Interlace fingers of both hands to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.

Sterile Gloves Preparation

• 4

  Place the package of sterile gloves on a clean, flat surface.

• 5

  Open the outer glove package, exposing the inner one.

• 6

  Scrub hands thoroughly.

• 7

  Open the inner glove wrapper, exposing the cuffed sterile gloves.

• 8

  Pick up the first glove by the cuff, touching only the inside portion of the cuff (the side that will be touching your skin when the glove is on), then slip your other hand inside the glove.

• 9

  Pick up the second glove by sliding the fingers of your gloved hand under the cuff of the second glove (the side that will not be touching your skin), then slide your other hand inside.

• 10

  Adjust the fingers as needed for a comfortable fit.