Surgical scrub

Surgical scrub is a procedure used by healthcare professionals to clean their hands and arms before performing a surgery or any sterile procedure. The aim of a surgical scrub is to significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on the skin to prevent postoperative infections in patients. This process is a critical component of surgical asepsis, a practice that ensures a sterile environment during surgical procedures.

Procedure

The surgical scrub involves a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the hands and arms up to the elbows, using antiseptic agents. The process can be performed using either an antimicrobial soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. The procedure typically involves several steps:

1. Wetting the hands and arms with water.
2. Applying the antiseptic soap.
3. Scrubbing the hands and arms for a prescribed duration, often 2 to 6 minutes, paying special attention to the nails, cuticles, and interdigital spaces.
4. Rinsing the soap from the hands and arms with water.
5. Drying the hands and arms with a sterile towel.
6. If using an alcohol-based hand rub, applying the product to the hands and arms and allowing them to dry without wiping.

Antiseptic Agents

Common antiseptic agents used in surgical scrubs include chlorhexidine gluconate, povidone-iodine, and triclosan. The choice of agent depends on the hospital protocol, the type of surgery, and the healthcare professional's skin condition.

Guidelines and Protocols

Various health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have established guidelines for the surgical scrub procedure. These guidelines aim to standardize the practice to ensure maximum efficacy in reducing microbial flora on the skin.

Importance

The importance of the surgical scrub cannot be overstated. It is a fundamental practice that significantly reduces the risk of surgical site infection (SSI), which is a common complication following surgery. SSIs can lead to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs.

Training and Compliance

Healthcare professionals receive training in the proper technique and importance of the surgical scrub as part of their education. Regular monitoring and reminders about the importance of adherence to scrub protocols are necessary to maintain high compliance rates among staff.