Two methods of testing surgical gloves for perforations: Perceived and unperceived glove perforations during vascular surgery

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceived versus unperceived glove perforations during vascular surgery using the FDA water test procedure and a newer more sensitive fluorescent dye technique. The two techniques were also compared to determine the degree of sensitivity of the fluorescent dye technique with the FDA water test. Three hundred five (305) gloves from a vascular surgery team were analyzed post‐surgically for perforations. One hundred fifty‐five (155) sterile surgical latex gloves and 150 non‐sterile latex gloves were collected and evaluated first using the FDA water leakage method then using a fluorescent dye technique. The fluorescent dye technique employs the use of a black light to examine the gloves following the addition of fluorescing dye to the original water in the glove. This technique makes it possible to detect even smaller perforations than detected by the FDA method. The dye technique was more sensitive in detecting perforations than the water technique approved ...