What technique is preferred for self-gloving setup during surgical procedures?

The preferred technique for self-gloving setup during surgical procedures is the open technique. This method involves opening the glove package without direct contact with the inner surface of the gloves, maintaining sterility. The open technique allows the surgical assistant to use their hands to grasp the gloves by the folded cuff edge, ensuring that the outside of the glove does not touch anything non-sterile during the donning process.

This technique is particularly advantageous because it provides a higher level of control and minimizes the risk of contamination that might occur if the inner surfaces come into contact with non-sterile items. Utilizing the open technique, the assistant can easily maneuver and position the gloves correctly, which is essential for maintaining the sterile field once the surgical procedure begins.

In contrast, other techniques such as the closed and modified techniques may not provide the same level of assurance concerning sterility and could involve more complex maneuvers that increase the risk of contamination. Thus, the open technique remains the standard and most effective method for self-gloving in operating room procedures.