Gloves Outside the Sterile Field

Clinical Objective

Ensure that non-sterile gloves are worn consistently during all patient contact outside the sterile field — including clipping, catheter handling, antiseptic application, and patient positioning — reducing the risk of cross-contamination between staff hands and the surgical site. Glove changes between patients and when contamination is suspected prevent organism transfer. This standard complements but does not replace hand hygiene.

Why This Matters

Hands are a primary vector for SSI pathogens in the perioperative setting. Non-sterile gloves reduce direct transfer from staff skin flora and environmental organisms to the surgical site during the many contact-intensive steps that precede sterile gowning. Compliance with glove use outside the sterile field is often lower than within it, creating a hidden contamination risk.

Critical Control Points

• Wear non-sterile gloves during all clipping and hair removal steps

• Wear gloves during IV catheter placement, adjustment, and injection port handling

• Change gloves between patients without exception

• Change gloves when contamination is suspected or confirmed, even within the same patient encounter

• Perform hand hygiene before donning and after removing gloves

1. 1

   Put on non-sterile exam gloves before touching the patient for clipping or hair removal

2. 2

   Keep gloves on during IV catheter placement and any adjustment of IV lines or ports

3. 3

   Change gloves if you touch a soiled surface, body fluid, or any unclean object during prep

4. 4

   Change gloves between every patient — do not reuse

5. 5

   Remove gloves by turning them inside out to keep your hands clean

6. 6

   Wash or sanitize hands after removing gloves before touching anything else

Key Pitfalls

• Touching the clipped site without gloves during catheter work or monitoring

• Forgetting to change gloves between patients during a busy schedule

• Using gloves as a reason to skip hand hygiene