When putting on sterile gloves, which hand should you use first?

When putting on sterile gloves, it is recommended to start with the nondominant hand. This technique is important because it allows you to use your dominant hand to handle the glove without needing to touch the outer surface of the glove during its application. By starting with the nondominant hand, you can maintain sterility and minimize the risk of contaminating the gloves as you put them on. After the nondominant glove is secure, you can then use your dominant hand to pull on the glove for that hand, ensuring that the process remains as sterile as possible.

Starting with the nondominant hand also aligns with standard procedures in clinical settings, helping to reinforce consistent practices among healthcare professionals. This method not only protects the sterility of the gloves but also allows for greater control when applying gloves, particularly in environments where maintaining clean techniques is crucial for patient safety.