What are the correct steps to take if a glove rips or tears during a procedure?

If a glove rips or tears during a procedure, the correct action is to remove the damaged glove, wash and dry your hands thoroughly, and then put on a new glove. This approach is essential in maintaining a sterile and safe environment in healthcare settings.

Removing the glove prevents any contaminants on the outside of the glove from transferring to your hands or the patient. Washing your hands eliminates any potential pathogens that may have been transferred to your skin during the process of removing the torn glove. After ensuring that your hands are clean, putting on a fresh glove restores a barrier against the transmission of infectious materials. This sequence of steps prioritizes infection control, safeguarding both patient and practitioner health.

In contrast, continuing to work with a torn glove can expose both the healthcare provider and the patient to potential infection, as it compromises the glove's intended protective function. Covering the tear with another glove does not adequately reduce the risk, as it can still lead to contamination. Changing only the torn glove without washing hands might allow for the transfer of pathogens between environments, increasing the risk of infection. Thus, the method of removing the glove, sanitizing hands, and putting on a new glove effectively addresses the risks associated with a tear in disposable gloves.