Final answer:
A proper surgical scrub involves thorough cleaning of the fingertips, hands, forearms, and extends beyond the elbows following specific steps to ensure that potential microbes are not introduced into a patient's surgical wounds. The scrub must be extensive compared to regular handwashing, focusing also on missed areas, such as under the fingernails.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a proper surgical scrub, it is important to thoroughly clean certain areas to prevent the introduction of microbes into a patient's surgical wounds. The CDC and the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) recommend that healthcare workers perform a more extensive scrub compared to routine handwashing. This involves scrubbing starting from the fingertips, extending to the hands and forearms, and up beyond the elbows.
The proper procedure for a surgical scrub includes:
- Wet hands and arms under running water.
- Apply about 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of liquid soap and rub it all over the hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to cover the thumb, wrist, areas between the fingers, and under the fingernails. A nail brush should be used to remove debris.
- Rinse thoroughly, ensuring the water flows from the wrist to the fingertips.
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air blower and dispose of any used towels properly.
It is also essential for personnel in contact with contaminated materials to wear protective attire and practice immediate washing with detergent and warm water followed by a 1 N NaOH wash or a diluted bleach solution