PERFORMING A SURGICAL HAND SCRUB

DEFINITION:
Surgical scrubbing is the process of removing as many microorganisms as possible
from the hands and arms by mechanical washing and chemical antisepsis before
participating in a surgical procedure.

OBJECTIVES:
 To decrease the number of microorganisms on skin to an
irreducible minimum during surgery
 To reduce the hazard of microbial contamination of the operative wound

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES:
 Antiseptic solution
 Scrub sponge
 Disposable nail stick
 Disposable sterile towels

Procedure Rationale
1. Turn water on using foot or knee control Hands-free control prevents
contamination of hands after the
scrub
2. Wet hands and arms thoroughly with Removes hidden dirt which could
water. Clean fingernails under running harbor bacteria
water using a disposable nail stick

3. Take a sterile scrub sponge from the Scrubbing all surfaces removes
dispenser, apply antiseptic agent and brush surface dirt and organic materials
back of hands, fingertips, inner webs, palms, that harbor microorganism
4. Scrub the nails of one hand 30 strokes,
each side of the fingers 20 strokes, the back
of the hand 20 strokes, arms 20 strokes for
each third of the arm to 2 inches above the
elbow. Dispose of sponge appropriately
5. Rinse arms and hands thoroughly
running the water from fingertips to elbows.
Turn off water using foot or knee control
6. Keeping arms & hands above elbows,
grasp one end of the sterile towel and dry
from fingers, hand, elbow in a rotating
motion. Use opposite end of towel to dry
other hand
Number of strokes vary by product
and facility
Ensures removal of resident
microorganisms on hands and arms
Hands remain the cleanest part of
the upper extremities
Prevents transfer of microorganism
fro handm elbow to the opposite