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How to put on sterile gloves

Sterile means free of germs. You must wear sterile gloves when instructed. This will help prevent your child from getting an infection.

Pack of sterile gloves

Check that the glove package has not been opened and has no tears or holes. Make sure the gloves you’re using are not expired.

Supplies needed:

  • Disinfecting wipes or cleaner that kills germs
  • Soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • 1 package of sterile gloves

Check that the package is unopened and has no holes or tears. Do not use sterile gloves past the expiration date.

Wash your hands

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth towel.
  • You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and rub your hands together until they are completely dry.
     
Wiping down desk with disinfectant wipe

Clean your work area with a disinfectant wipe or cleaner.

Prepare your work area

  • Clean your work area with a disinfectant wipe or cleaner. Let the surface air dry.
  • Remove and discard the outer package of the sterile gloves.
  • Lay the inner package on your clean work area.

Open the package

  • Grab the outer tabs of the sterile package using your fingertips, as shown in the picture. Do not touch the inside of the package. Keep the inside free of germs.
  • Open the sterile package by pulling on the outer tabs until the package opens all the way. Do not touch the inside of the package.

Put on the first glove

  • Use your non-dominant hand (the one you do not write with) to pick up the glove by the cuff.
  • Only touch the inside of the cuff. This part will touch your skin when the glove is on your hand.
  • Hold the glove with the fingers pointing downward.
  • Slide your dominant hand into the glove. Keep your palm facing up and your fingers open.
  • Only touch the cuff as you pull on the glove. Don’t touch the package when you put on the glove.

Note: If the glove doesn’t go on straight, you can wait to adjust it. You can do that later. Keep your hands above your waist and do not touch anything. This way, they stay sterile and free of germs.

Put on the second glove

  • Using the gloved hand, slide your fingers under the cuff of the second glove. Only touch the outside of this glove. This part will not be against your skin when the glove is on your hand.
  • The glove you are putting on should hang with the fingers pointing downward.
  • Slide your bare hand into the glove with the palm up and the fingers open. Don’t let the thumb of your gloved hand touch your skin as you slide your hand into the glove.
     

Adjust the gloves

  • Adjust both gloves until they fit. Only touch the outside of the glove that is not against your skin. Do not touch anything that is not sterile.
  • If you touch something that is not sterile, you must start over again and change into a new pair of sterile gloves.

Reminders

  • Wear sterile gloves as instructed by your care team. This can help prevent infection when you care for your child.
  • Gather all the supplies you need before you start.
  • Clean the work area and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • Follow the steps to put on sterile gloves.
  • Do not touch anything that is not sterile. If you do, repeat the steps to put on a new pair of sterile gloves.

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Reviewed: October 2022