Figure 1-10. After soaping digits, scrub, beginning with the thumb or little finger of the
right or left hand.
(9) You are now ready to scrub the forearm. Divide your arm in three inch
increments. The brush should be approximately three inches lengthwise. Use the
sponge-side of the brush lengthwise to apply soap around wrist. Scrub 20 circular
strokes on all four sides; move up the forearm--lather, then scrub, ending two inches
above the elbow.
(10) Soap and/or water may be added to the brush at any time
(11) Repeat steps (6) through (9) above for the other arm.
(12) Discard brush.
(13) Rinse hands and arms without retracing and/or contaminating.
(14) Allow the water to drip from your elbows before entering the operating
room.
(15) Slightly bend forward, pick up the hand towel from the top of the gown
pack and step back from the table (see Figure 1-11). Grasp the towel and open it so
that it is folded to double thickness lengthwise. Do not allow the towel to touch any
unsterile object or unsterile parts of your body. Hold your hands and arms above your
elbow, and keep your arms away from your body.
(16) Holding one end of the towel with one of your hands, dry your other
hand and arm with a blotting, rotating motion (see Figure 1-12). Work from your
fingertips to the elbow; DO NOT retrace any area. Dry all sides of the fingers, the
forearm, and the arms thoroughly (see Figures 1-13 and 1-14). If moisture is left on
your fingers and hands, donning the surgical gloves will be difficult. Moisture left on the
arms may seep through surgical cloth gowns, thus contaminating them.
MD0933
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