New study highlights the importance of double gloving with indicator systems

The scoping review study was conducted by researchers from the University of Huddersfield (UK), Monash University (Australia) and an independent wound care consultant. It aimed to assess the rate of surgical glove breaches, whether these pose an increased risk of infection, and, if so, how might this be overcome (using double/indicator system gloving techniques). ¹

Alarmingly, the study reports that more than 70% of glove breaches go undetected by clinicians during operative procedures.¹ A breach in surgical gloves results in an increased risk of infection, with studies showing a twofold increased risk of surgical site infections.¹ Double gloving with an indicator system decreases the risks associated with surgical glove breaches, and the authors state detection of a glove breach will increase from 34% to 83% using a coloured breach-indicator system. ¹

The study, sponsored by Mölnlycke^®, finds that surgical glove breaches are reported widely. The current review identifies 103 articles reporting instances of surgical glove breach in a variety of surgical disciplines. The incidence of surgical glove breaches varies between surgical disciplines, with an overall mean rate of 10.3% - the rate for orthopaedic surgery is 22.2%.¹

Studies reporting procedure perforation rates (i.e. percentage of procedures during which glove perforations occur) find an approximately threefold higher perforation rate when compared with glove perforation rates (i.e. frequency of gloves that become perforated during a surgical procedure) (34.6% vs 10.3%), and that this higher rate between procedure and glove perforation rates is seen across most surgical specialties.¹ More than half of orthopaedic procedures (53.1%) reported perforation of surgical gloves. ¹

The authors conclude that in high-risk surgical procedures, the use of an indicator system provides surgeons and patients added protection, with the perforation/breach detection helping prevent bacterial transmission and cross-infection.¹

Katriina Öberg, Executive Vice President, Gloves at Mölnlycke, says, “This review of the clinical literature confirms the risks of undetected glove breaches and the value of double gloving with indicator systems. With solutions like the Biogel® Indicator System, Mölnlycke aims to provide comfort and confidence—supporting safer surgery for patients and professionals.”

As part of Mölnlycke’s broader commitment to infection prevention, the company continues to invest in surgical solutions that help hospitals and healthcare systems strengthen patient safety, safeguard staff and ensure compliance with guidelines and standards.

Jamie Smith

Media Relations

Email: jamie.smith@molnlycke.com

Phone: +46 723 757507