Question

Beginning with the first step on top, list the steps in order for opening sterile gloves.

Answer 1

To open sterile gloves correctly, perform hand hygiene, then carefully open the glove packaging and don the gloves without touching the outside surface, maintaining sterility throughout the process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Steps for Opening Sterile Gloves

To ensure aseptic technique and avoid contamination when opening sterile gloves, it is important to follow these steps meticulously:

1. Perform hand hygiene thoroughly before beginning the glove application process. This involves washing your hands with soap and water, ensuring you clean all parts of the hands including between your fingers and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.
2. Open the outer packaging of the sterile gloves without touching the inner package that contains the actual gloves.
3. Carefully open the inner package by peeling apart the packaging material, making sure not to touch the inside contents with bare hands.
4. Identify the left and right gloves. Pick up the first glove by the folded edge of the cuff so as not to touch the outside surface of the glove.
5. Slip the glove onto the corresponding hand, using the non-gloved hand to pull the glove by the inner cuff.
6. After the first glove is on, slip the fingers of the gloved hand underneath the cuff of the second glove, lifting it from the package.
7. Carefully pull on the second glove, making sure that the first glove does not touch your bare skin.
8. Adjust the gloves on both hands if necessary, touching only the outside of the gloves to ensure they fit properly.

Following these steps helps maintain sterility to prevent contamination during medical procedures or while handling sterile equipment such as in a microbiology lab.