Scrubbing
Surgical Scrub and Gown Technique
St Albans City Hospital Tomoko Iohara
Surgical Scrub Practice
The surgical scrub is an everyday practice for many members of the perioperative team, and is an essential element of aseptic technique.
One of the principles of an aseptic technique is to create, maintain and promote a sterile field (NATN 2004). Whilst it is not possible to sterilise your hands, the surgical scrub serves to minimise the number of pathogens, thus reducing the potential for cross infection in the event of a glove puncture (Pratt et al 2001, Swarbrooke et al 2003).
Surgical Scrub Technique
Preparation for scrubbing
All staff should be in suitable surgical attire,with sleeves above the elbow (rolled if necessary) and tops tucked into trousers. All hair should be contained within a surgical hat. Fingernails should be short and free from polish or artificial nails. Nails may be cleaned if necessary by using a disposable pick under running water. All jewellery should be removed.
Hands and arms should be washed with plain microbial solution and running water immediately before beginning the surgical scrub. Hands and arms should be wet before applying scrub solution. The first wash should encompass the hands and arms to the elbows, utilising a systematic method to cover all areas (Pratt et al 2001).
Hand Washing
There are six steps to hand washing: Palm to palm Right palm over left dorsum and left palm over right dorsum Palm to palm with fingers interlaced Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlaced Rotational rubbing of right thumb clasped in left palm and vice versa Rotational rubbing backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa
The use of a scrubbing brush is not necessary for reduction of bacterial counts and can lead to skin damage and an increase in skin shedding. Subsequent washes should encompass two
St Albans City Hospital Tomoko Iohara
Surgical Scrub Practice
The surgical scrub is an everyday practice for many members of the perioperative team, and is an essential element of aseptic technique.
One of the principles of an aseptic technique is to create, maintain and promote a sterile field (NATN 2004). Whilst it is not possible to sterilise your hands, the surgical scrub serves to minimise the number of pathogens, thus reducing the potential for cross infection in the event of a glove puncture (Pratt et al 2001, Swarbrooke et al 2003).
Surgical Scrub Technique
Preparation for scrubbing
All staff should be in suitable surgical attire,with sleeves above the elbow (rolled if necessary) and tops tucked into trousers. All hair should be contained within a surgical hat. Fingernails should be short and free from polish or artificial nails. Nails may be cleaned if necessary by using a disposable pick under running water. All jewellery should be removed.
Hands and arms should be washed with plain microbial solution and running water immediately before beginning the surgical scrub. Hands and arms should be wet before applying scrub solution. The first wash should encompass the hands and arms to the elbows, utilising a systematic method to cover all areas (Pratt et al 2001).
Hand Washing
There are six steps to hand washing: Palm to palm Right palm over left dorsum and left palm over right dorsum Palm to palm with fingers interlaced Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlaced Rotational rubbing of right thumb clasped in left palm and vice versa Rotational rubbing backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa
The use of a scrubbing brush is not necessary for reduction of bacterial counts and can lead to skin damage and an increase in skin shedding. Subsequent washes should encompass two