Chapter 4: Infection prevention and control
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Donning theatre attire
Evidence‐based approaches
There are two recognized techniques for putting on sterile gloves: a closed and an open method. The open technique may be used on wards for aseptic procedures but is not recommended for use in the operating theatre, where a closed technique should be used.
The open technique is used to create a barrier between the nurse's hands and the patient to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in either direction, and to prevent contamination of a vulnerable area or invasive device. It may be used for aseptic techniques such as inserting a urinary catheter or a sterile wound dressing.
Procedure guideline 4.9
Donning a sterile gown and gloves: closed technique
Procedure guideline 4.10
