Surgical scrubbing, also known as a surgical hand scrub, is a crucial process for minimizing the risk of infection during surgical procedures. The goal is to remove as many microorganisms as possible from the hands and forearms of the surgical team.
Here's a breakdown of the surgical scrub process, based on the provided reference (Anatomical Surgical Hand Scrub - YouTube):
Steps for Surgical Scrubbing
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Gather Supplies: Ensure you have access to antimicrobial soap (chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine), a sterile scrub brush (often with an abrasive side), and a sink with a hands-free faucet.
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Remove Jewelry: Remove all jewelry from hands and wrists, including rings, watches, and bracelets.
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Wet Hands and Forearms: Wet your hands and forearms with running water, ensuring the water flows from your fingertips down to your elbows.
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Apply Soap: Apply an adequate amount of antimicrobial soap to your hands.
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Clean Fingernails: Clean underneath your fingernails using a nail cleaner (usually found attached to the scrub brush) under running water.
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The Scrub:
- Fingertips: Use the abrasive side of the scrub brush on your fingertips. Scrub approximately 30 times on each fingertip.
- Hands and Forearms: Use the non-abrasive side of the scrub brush to scrub all surfaces of your hands and forearms, including between fingers, palms, and backs of hands. Ensure you scrub up to 2 inches above the elbow.
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Time: The total scrub time typically ranges from 3-5 minutes, depending on hospital protocol and the specific antimicrobial soap used. Follow the product's instructions for the recommended scrub time.
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Rinse: Rinse your hands and forearms thoroughly under running water, ensuring the water flows from your fingertips down to your elbows. Keep your hands elevated above your elbows during rinsing to prevent contamination.
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Repeat (if necessary): Some protocols may require repeating the scrub process on each arm.
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Dry: After rinsing, dry your hands and forearms with a sterile towel. Start with your fingertips and work your way up to your elbows, using a different section of the towel for each area.
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Enter the Operating Room: After drying, keep your hands elevated and away from your body until you put on sterile gloves.
Important Considerations
- Aseptic Technique: Maintaining aseptic technique throughout the scrubbing process is essential. Avoid touching any surfaces or contaminating your hands after the scrub.
- Breaks in Skin: If you have any cuts, abrasions, or skin infections on your hands or forearms, report this to the surgical team and follow the appropriate protocol. You may need to cover the area with a waterproof dressing or use an alternative scrubbing method.
- Hospital Protocol: Always follow the specific surgical scrubbing protocol of your hospital or institution.
- Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water for scrubbing. Extreme temperatures can damage the skin.
- Antimicrobial Soap: Always use the antimicrobial soap recommended by your hospital. Make sure not to use the brush side of the scrub, except for the fingertips.
