(17) Grasp the other end of the towel and dry your other hand and arm in
the same manner as above. Discard the towel into a linen receptacle (the circulator
may take it from the distal end).
Section V. SURGICAL GOWN TECHNIQUE
1-17.
PRINCIPLES
The specialist is to abide by the following principles whenever he dons a sterile
gown:
a. If the specialist touches the outside of his gown while donning it, the gown
is contaminated. If this occurs, discard the gown. The specialist is to touch only the
inside of the gown while putting it on.
NOTE: Surgical gowns are folded with the inside facing the specialist. This method of
folding facilitates picking up and donning the gown without touching the outside surface.
b. The specialist's scrubbed hands and arms are contaminated if he allows
them to fall below waist level or to touch his body. The specialist, therefore, keeps his
hands and arms above his waist and away from his body and at an angle of about 20 to
30 degrees above the elbows.
c. After donning the surgical gown, the only parts of the gown that are
considered sterile are the sleeves (except for the axillary area) and the front from waist
level to a few inches below the neck opening. If the gown is touched or brushed by an
unsterile object, the gown is then considered contaminated. The contaminated gown is
removed using the proper technique. You must then don a new sterile gown.
1-18.
PROCEDURE--CLOSED CUFF METHOD
a. With one hand, pick up the entire folded gown from the wrapper by grasping
the gown through all layers, being careful to touch only the inside top layer, which is
exposed (see Figure 1-15). Step back from the table to allow other team members
room to maneuver.
MD0933
1-14