I&D...sterile procedure?

[deefizzle]

I work for an urgent care facility and cannot locate an exact policy on this scenario. Patient comes in with cyst, doctor performs I&D for culture. I&D tray is set up using sterile technique. Sterile field, all instruments are sterile from autoclaver. Doc says he does not need sterile gloves because "this isn't a sterile procedure." I'm a little skeptical of this practice. Can someone with more experience please give me their opinion? Thanks

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

Sterile gloves protect the patient, not the provider. It would be a costly and strange utilization of resources to don sterile gloves every time you worked with a patient on contact precautions.

Basically, if it's good enough for cleaning C. diff, it'll be ok for an I&D.

Considering the regularity with which gloves tear or develop holes, I don't personally consider them good enough for C. difficile or blood. If I consider there to be a significant likelihood of coming in contact, I double- or even triple-glove... or break out my own thick nitriles... or the long, thick chemo nitriles.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I've probably done hundreds of I&Ds in the clinic and at bedside. I always double glove for I&Ds, but with clean not sterile gloves.

[SurgicalTechCST]

I do! Lol. Been known to throw in a "golly gee" from time to time. It keeps me from cussing in front of people who would find it objectionable.

My personal favorite "go to" phrase in company of both mixed and new, unknown construct is "Jimminy Christmas!!" Never fails to get a smile, a giggle or at least a grin out of somebody!