What protocol must be followed if a member of the sterile team touches an unsterile item with their sterile glove?

If a member of the sterile team touches an unsterile item with their sterile glove, the correct protocol is to change that contaminated glove immediately. This practice is crucial in maintaining a sterile field during a surgical procedure.

Sterile gloves are an essential component of infection control in the operating room, and any breach in sterility can increase the risk of surgical site infections. By changing the contaminated glove right away, the sterile team ensures that they do not inadvertently introduce pathogens into the surgical site, thereby protecting patient safety.

Continuing as normal or notifying the surgeon later would not adequately address the risk of infection, as any unaddressed contamination could compromise the entire procedure. Simply wiping the glove with antiseptic would not be a reliable way to ensure sterility, as it does not eliminate the potential for contamination through the glove material itself. Changing the glove is the most effective way to re-establish a sterile environment.