What type of gloves should be worn for surgical procedures?

Surgical procedures necessitate the use of sterile gloves to ensure the highest level of infection control and patient safety. Sterile gloves are manufactured and packaged in a way that maintains their sterility until opened for use, thus preventing the introduction of pathogens into the surgical site.

While nitrile and latex gloves are frequently used in various dental settings due to their durability and resistance to punctures, they are not inherently sterile unless specifically designed and labeled as such. Vinyl gloves, although they can be used for certain tasks, do not provide the same level of protection against biological contaminants, making them unsuitable for surgical applications.

Choosing sterile gloves for surgical procedures is critical to minimize the risk of surgical site infections and to maintain a controlled environment throughout the procedure. Proper handling and application of sterile gloves further contribute to the effectiveness of infection control protocols in the dental or surgical setting.