Here’s a general open-glove method you may see on many sterile packs. Always follow your training and the instructions on the glove packaging.

1. Perform hand hygiene and dry completely.
2. Check the package for damage or expiration, then open the outer wrap.
3. Place the inner sterile wrapper on a clean, dry surface at waist level.
4. Open the inner wrap without touching the glove surfaces marked sterile.
5. Don the first glove by grasping the cuff at the folded edge, touching only the inside; slide your hand in.
6. With the gloved hand, lift the second glove by the outside of the cuff and insert the other hand.
7. Adjust fingers by touching only the outside surfaces; keep hands above the waist.
8. If you touch a non-sterile surface or tear a glove, discard and start with a new sterile pair.

These steps can help reduce contamination, but local protocols may differ.

Maintaining sterility during gloving is about setup, technique, and pacing. Consider these tips alongside your facility’s guidance and the glove pack’s instructions.

• Prepare a clean, dry work area at waist level; avoid drafty or cluttered spaces.
• Open packaging by the edges and avoid touching sterile glove surfaces with bare skin.
• Use the inside-only grip for your first glove; once gloved, touch only the outside of the second glove.
• Keep hands above the waist and in view; avoid contact with clothing, hair, or nearby objects.
• Choose the right size to minimize fumbling that can lead to contamination.
• Dry hands well; moisture can make donning difficult and increase handling.
• If a glove contacts a non-sterile surface or looks damaged, replace it with a new sterile pair.

Deliberate, unhurried movements can help maintain a sterile field.

Most sterile surgical settings call for sterile surgical gloves that are pair-packed by precise size and designed for procedure use. While policies vary, common characteristics include:

• Sterile and powder-free packaging, with each pair individually wrapped.
• Size-specific numbering (e.g., 5.5–9) for a tailored fit and dexterity.
• Longer cuffs to interface with gowns and drapes.
• Material options such as latex, nitrile, or neoprene for different fit and sensitivity needs.
• Some teams use double-gloving based on local policy.

If you’re purchasing, verify the package is labeled “sterile,” intact, and within date. For the exact type required in your setting, follow your organization’s protocol and training materials.

Sterile gloves are typically used when a task or kit specifically calls for sterile technique—for example, when creating or maintaining a sterile field or handling items labeled sterile. If a procedure’s instructions or your organization’s policy require sterility, choose sterile, individually wrapped gloves.

• Check packaging for the word “sterile” and confirm the seal and date are valid.
• For routine, non-sterile tasks, clean exam gloves are commonly used instead (per product directions and local guidance).
• When uncertain, follow your training materials or ask a supervisor for the correct gloving level.

Using the appropriate glove type can help align with protocol and reduce contamination risks, but requirements can vary by setting.

A good fit supports dexterity and helps reduce tearing or slippage. Here’s a simple approach you can pair with the size chart on the glove package:

• Measure across your palm at the knuckles (excluding the thumb) to estimate size, then compare to the chart.
• Sterile surgical gloves often use numbered sizes (e.g., 6.5, 7, 7.5); exam gloves usually come in S/M/L/XL.
• Consider material: latex tends to be more elastic; nitrile and neoprene vary by thickness and stretch.
• If you’re between sizes, a slightly larger number can be more comfortable for longer wear; too tight can fatigue your hands.
• Think about cuff length if you need extra forearm coverage.

Confirm fit with the specific brand’s chart and follow the packaging guidance.