e. Sheets. The team member who brings the patient into the operating room
is to loosen the sheets covering the patient before transporting him into the room. This
measure prevents the creation of static electricity and prevents the need for vigorous
handling of the linen in the room, thus avoiding the scattering of microorganisms from
this source.
4-3.
DUTIES OF THE CIRCULATOR
During a surgical procedure, the circulator must be alert to the needs of both the
surgeon and the scrub. He should anticipate what will be needed and have the supplies
and equipment available. The following paragraphs set forth procedures that the
circulator is to follow.
a. Do not leave the room unless you are sent for equipment or supplies or you
are relieved by another circulator. If you are leaving the room to obtain equipment or
supplies, notify the scrub and anesthetist and return as quickly as possible. If the
supplies or equipment cannot be obtained quickly, notify the operating room supervisor
or the noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) and return to the operating room.
b. When a general anesthetic is being administered, stay at the patient's side.
If it is necessary to move in the anesthesia area, use smooth, careful movements.
c.
Watch to see what the scrub needs and furnish this material.
d. Keep the operating room light adjusted so that there is no shadow on the
operative area. If the light appears to need adjustment, ask the surgeon's permission
before refocusing the light. Keep well away from the sterile field while adjusting the
light.
e. Keep the room neat by removing sponges, instruments, bits of suture, etc.,
from the floor. Use an unsterile sponge forceps to pick up soiled sponges (for your
protection, do not pick them up with your hands) and then place them in such a way that
will facilitate counting. Pick up sponges as they are discarded and do not allow them to
accumulate. Put them in an area where they can be observed by the surgeon, the
anesthetist, and the scrub.
f. Keep the saline in the basins warm, if required, by adding hot solution as
necessary.
g.
Prepare appropriate size specimen jars (with lids) to receive the specimen.
(1) Formalin solution, 10%, is used for routine specimens of tissue (check
with the surgeon before placing the specimen into the solution).
NOTE: Formalin should NEVER be in the operating room when a patient is in the room.
MD0935
4-4