What action should be taken if a surgical technologist's glove touches the outside of a package during surgery?

When a surgical technologist's glove touches the outside of a package during surgery, it is essential to maintain the sterility of the surgical field. The correct action in this scenario is for the circulator to remove the contaminated glove. This action prevents the transfer of contaminants that may have been picked up from the outside of the package to sterile instruments or the surgical site.

Removing the contaminated glove effectively reduces the risk of infection or contamination by ensuring that only sterile gloves are used for handling sterile items. This action is crucial for adhering to strict sterile technique protocols in the operating room. Additionally, once the contaminated glove is removed, the surgical technologist can put on a new sterile glove, thereby restoring the sterility needed for the procedure.