GLOVE PERFORATIONS DURING VASCULAR-SURGERY

Glove perforations during vascular surgery were evaluated using the FDA water test procedure and a newer, more sensitive fluorescent dye technique. Three hundred five gloves from a vascular surgery team were analyzed post-surgically for perforations using both test methods. The dye technique, denoted FL in all tables, was more sensitive in detecting perforations than the water technique approved by the FDA (P=0.001). A total of 22 gloves were positive using the water technique (7.2%), while 32 were positive using the fluorescing dye technique (10.5%). Using a survey completed by each member of the vascular surgery team, additional information was compiled following surgical procedures including the individual's role in the surgery, the type of surgery, any new injuries to the hands, and the site of such injury. The gloves were separated upon collection into two categories: those with known perforations and those without known perforations. Wearers were aware of perforations in only 8 of the 32 instances of perforation.