INCREASED AWARENESS OF GLOVE PERFORATION IN MAJOR JOINT REPLACEMENT -A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED STUDY OF REGENT BIOGEL REVEAL GLOVES

An intact barrier between the hands of the surgeon and the patient rem ains the single most important factor in protection against infection for both. Increasing the awareness of possible glove perforation witho ut skin penetration will decrease the risk of contamination. We perfor med a prospective, randomised trial comparing the incidence of glove p erforation using a new type of glove (Regent Biogel Reveal) and standa rd double-gloves in total hip and knee replacement. One or more perfor ations was detected in 14.6% of all gloves. The new gloves increased s ignificantly the awareness of perforation. Multiple perforations at th e base of the ring finger were found in surgeons who wore wedding ring s during the operation and we recommend that rings be removed before u ndertaking surgery.