Abstract
Introduction
Surgical gloves function as a mechanical barrier that reduces transmission of body fluids and pathogens from hospital personnel to patients and vice versa. The effectiveness of this barrier is dependent upon the integrity of the glove. Infectious agents have been shown to pass through unnoticed glove microperforations which have been correlated to the duration of wear. Varying factors may influence the integrity of the glove such as the material, duration of use, activities and fit. Studies have recommended changing gloves 90 minutes into a general surgical operation, however there are no known EBM recommendations in orthopaedic surgery.
Objectives
The aim of our study was to determine whether the intrinsic properties of sterile surgical gloves can be compromised when exposed to common orthopaedic materials in the operating theatre.
Methods
A total of 20 unused sterile surgical gloves (neoprene and latex) were exposed to blood, bone shavings and cement over 15, 30 and 60 minute intervals. Following each time point, the palmar surface and finger tips of each glove was analyzed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and were tested for changes in contact angle and tensile properties.
Results
Exposure to cement caused a significant increase in both the neoprene and latex glove porosities at 15 min but no significant further changes at any later time points. The latex gloves had a greater increase in pore diameter than the neoprene gloves. Exposure to cement for 15 min duration significantly decreased the tensile strength of both latex and neoprene gloves. Exposure to either blood or bone shavings did not cause any significant changes in the latex or neoprene glove properties.
Conclusions
This study provides evidence that exposure to cement, a common orthopaedic material, can disrupt the intrinsic properties of the surgical gloves worn in the operating theatre. This can lead to micro or macro perforations putting both the patient and operating room personnel at risk of contamination.
