entering a restricted area, the OR specialist must don a surgical mask per local SOP.
The mask protects the patient from bacteria exhaled by operating room personnel. The
mask must fit snugly around the nose and mouth to filter the air through it rather than
around the sides of the mask. The mask should be changed whenever it becomes
damp and after each procedure. The correct procedures for donning scrub suit, surgical
hat, shoe covers, and surgical mask are provided in detail in Subcourse MD0933,
Scrub, Gown, and Glove Procedures, which you should have studied prior to this
subcourse. Now you are ready to prepare the operating room for surgery.
c. Damp dust the operating room unless this has already been done by
personnel on the previous shift. Concurrent with dusting, check equipment, arrange
furniture, and restock supplies. After damp dusting with a cloth soaked in disinfectant
solution prescribed by local policy, wet vacuum the floor using a disinfectant prescribed
by local policy. Dry dusting and mopping is never done in the operating room because
it raises dust that contains bacteria.
(1) Damp dusting should be done before the first scheduled incision time
of the day.
(2) Establish and follow a definite order when damp dusting furniture.
Start with the tallest equipment and work down since this method helps the settling of
airborne microorganisms. Damp dust the operating room overhead light first, then the
operating table. Work from the center of the room to the perimeter (outer limits) and
from the tallest item to the lowest. If you are called from the room, leave the damp
dusting cloth on the item being dusted; this will serve as the starting point when
resuming dusting duties.
(3) As the damp dusting is accomplished, set up the equipment and check
each item for proper functioning. This will save time and energy. This includes such
things as:
(a) Switch on the overhead light to ensure proper functioning.
(b) Check the operating table for proper working order.
(c) Check the suction machine, the electrosurgical unit, and other
pieces of equipment in the operating room whether or not they are to be used.
(d) Line the kick buckets with plastic bags.
(e) Check the supply cabinets for stock. Restock, if necessary.
(4) Consult with the scrub on the arrangement of the furniture for the
surgical procedure. In general, the area chosen for the sterile setup should be away
from doorways and traffic. It should be in the most closed-in area away from the
cabinets that are to be opened during the setup. As damp dusting continues, arrange
MD0935
3-3