Final answer:
A surgical scrub entails removing jewelry, wetting hands and forearms, applying antimicrobial soap, scrubbing all hand and forearm surfaces, cleaning under fingernails, and methodically washing up to the elbows before rinsing, drying, and donning sterile attire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of performing a surgical scrub is crucial for maintaining sterility in the operating room. The goal of the scrub is to reduce the normal microbiota on the skin to prevent the introduction of microbes into a patient's surgical wounds. The following steps are typically included in a surgical scrub procedure:
- Remove all jewelry and roll up sleeves, if applicable.
- Begin by wetting hands and forearms under running water.
- Apply a generous amount of antimicrobial soap.
- Lather hands by rubbing them together, making sure to cover all surfaces, including the backs of the hands, between fingers, under nails, and forearms.
- Clean under the fingernails using a nail cleaner or brush, if recommended by the facility's protocol.
- Scrub each side of each finger, between the fingers, and the back and front of the hands for a prescribed duration or according to the facility's protocol.
- Extend the scrub to the forearms and up to the elbows, scrubbing each section methodically.
- Rinse hands and forearms thoroughly, starting from the fingertips and allowing water to run off at the elbows.
- Dry hands and forearms with a sterile towel, then don a surgical gown and gloves.
It's important to note the specifics of the surgical scrub can vary depending on the institution's guidelines and the type of antimicrobial soap available. Additionally, before any surgical procedure, a 'time out' is performed to confirm patient identity, surgical site, and procedure among other critical factors.