Do surgical personnel really need to double-glove?

In 2007, AORN's Recommended Practices Task Force revised the "Recommended practices on prevention of transmissible infections in the perioperative practice setting" to recommend that health care practitioners double-glove during invasive procedures. Previously, AORN had suggested that wearing two pairs of gloves might be indicated for some procedures. Research on the protective effects of double gloving provides compelling evidence that surgical personnel should double-glove during all surgical procedures. Statistics on unreported injuries and conversion rates of HIV and hepatitis B indicate that change is difficult; however, research also suggests that objections to double-gloving can be overcome and a practice change implemented to ensure the safety of health care workers and patients alike.