How to Perform a Surgical Scrub

Hands are one of a health care worker's most important tools, and it's critical for everyone in the medical field to maintain a strict code of hygiene. It's particularly important for workers entering a surgical suite to help reduce the spread of microorganisms throughout the rooms. This is done through a surgical scrub, a precise and thorough cleansing of the hands and arms that kills transient flora and helps lessen resident flora in case of glove tears.

Things You'll Need

• Sink
• Antimicrobial soap
• Nail file
• Sterile brush
• Sterile towel
• Sterile gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove all rings, bracelets and watches.

• 2

  Remove any residue from under the nails with a nail file.

• 3

  Begin washing both sides of one hand with antimicrobial soap, and scrub in between each finger with a sterile brush. Nails should receive about 20 to 30 brush strokes, while other areas of the hand should receive about 10 to 20. This process should take approximately two minutes.

• 4

  Move up the arm, and continue scrubbing 2 to 3 inches above the elbow for approximately one minute. Make sure the scrubbed hand stays above the elbow to prevent contaminated soap and water from touching clean areas.

• 5

  Repeat the process on the opposite side. If either arm touches a contaminated surface, continuing scrubbing the area of contact for another minute.

• 6

  Discard the brush, and--continuing to hold hands above elbows--begin to rinse off soap on one arm and the other. Let the water run off the elbows.

• 7

  Dry hands with a sterile towel, and put on sterile gloves. If hands touch a contaminated surface, repeat the entire process.