Sterile gloves come in a sterile package that must be opened prior to donning them. Place the gloves on a clean and dry surface at or above waist level. The area below waist level is outside the sterile field and is considered contaminated. Without touching the inside of the package, expose the sterile gloves by folding the flaps up and away from the gloves, being careful not to touch the gloves.
Don sterile gloves using the closed-gloving technique, the open-gloving technique, or the assisted-gloving technique.
The closed-gloving technique is the preferred method and is used by surgical staff when donning gloves at the beginning of a procedure. When gloving without assistance, using this method helps prevent contamination of the gown and the gloves. The closed-gloving technique ensures that the hands only touch the inside of the gown and the gloves, thus keeping the outside of the gown sterile.