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Operating rooms must always maintain sterile conditions to shield patients from harmful bacteria during medical procedures. Exposure to such bacteria can result in infections. Surgeons and surgical team members must adhere to aseptic techniques when scrubbing in, requiring careful preparation, attention to detail during the scrubbing process, and a specific drying method. When scrubbing in, individuals must choose between timing themselves or counting scrubbing strokes. For timed scrubbing, the goal is to complete the procedure within five minutes. For counting strokes, aim for 20 to 30 strokes per side of the hand or arm.
Essential Steps
Preparation
Entering the Designated Changing Room
Ensuring Hair Safety
Prioritize Hair Coverage
Mask Up
Jewelry Removal Protocol
Dressing in Surgical Attire
Unveiling a Fresh Scrub Brush
Optimize Water Temperature
Scrubbing Process
Maintaining Dry Surgical Attire
Nail Hygiene Routine
Unveiling the Scrub Brush
Apply Iodine or Soap to the Brush
Scrubbing Fingertips
Hand Washing Procedure
Scrubbing Arms
Rinsing Hands and Arms
Drying Process
Timing for Hand Drying
Getting the Towel
Drying Hands and Arms
Hold the opposite end of the towel with your non-dominant hand. Repeat the drying process on your dominant hand and arm, ensuring not to backtrack. Dispose of the towel afterward.
Helpful Tips
- Familiarize yourself with your facility's rules and procedures and adhere to them closely. - Develop a method, such as mentally timing yourself with a song, to ensure you scrub in for the required duration as per hospital protocol.
Important Warnings
- Avoid touching anything non-sterile after completing the scrubbing process. Touching unsterile objects necessitates repeating the entire procedure.
