Re-using surgical gloves unfairly places the burden of glove inspection
on the hospital staff who become responsible for deciding when a
surgical glove is no longer reliable barrier against the risk of
bloodborne pathogens. The deterioration in a glove is inevitable but
not always immediately visible to the human eye.
Air inflation is not a reliable test for punctures.
Unbroken natural rubber latex, like an unused surgeon's glove, is
impermeable to air, water, and the Human Immunodeficiency
Virus1.
Research has shown that during normal stresses of use, the latex glove
barrier breaks down in direct relationship to the time worn2. Studies have also
shown that 50% of glove punctures or perforations are not noticed by the
wearer3. This
means the risk of infection to both health worker and patient increases
significantly the longer the glove is worn (especially if the glove is
re-used). The increase in risk may not be obvious to the user.
Modern surgeons gloves are designed for the conditions of modern
medicine. They are strong but very thin to increase sensitivity and
comfort. They are not intended for over extended use or re-sterilization,
and should not be relied on to maintain a sterile barrier when used
contrary to makers recommendations for safety.
1. Dalgleish AG et al, Surgical gloves as a mechanical
barrier; Br J Surg 1988; 75: 171.
2. Albin MS et al, Anatomy of a defective barrier; Crit
Care Med 1992; 20,2: 170.
3. Dobbs RDA et al, Self protection in surgery; Br J Surg
1990; 77: 219.
