(5) Keep conversation to a minimum. Keep hair covered and mask in
place. Change masks when necessary.
(6) Decontaminate floor and walls promptly during the operation if they are
contaminated by blood or other organic material. Local procedures will identify the
disinfectant solution you will use. Prompt decontamination will prevent microorganisms
from drying and becoming airborne.
c. Scrub. The scrub must constantly maintain sterile technique and watch for
breaks as he observes the following rules.
(1) Step away from the sterile field if contaminated and request fresh
sterile attire from the circulator.
(2) Change glove immediately and discard the needle or instrument if a
glove is pricked by a needle or snagged by an instrument.
(3) Discard suture material, tubing, or sponge that falls over the edge of
the sterile field.
(4) Keep hands at waist level, never below the waist.
(5) Keep contact with the sterile field to a minimum. Never lean on or
against the operating table, Mayo stand, instrument table, or patient.
(6) Leave a wide margin of safety when moving about the room. When
passing nonsterile objects or persons, turn your back to them.
(7) Face sterile areas when passing them. Do not turn your back to the
sterile field.
(8) Pass another sterile team member back to back. Do not reach behind
a sterile team member.
(9) Keep the sterile field and table as dry as possible.
(10) Discard soiled sponges from the sterile field.
(11) Avoid coughing and sneezing. Keep talking to a minimum.
d. Hair. The patient's hair will be covered before he is brought into the
operating room. This measure protects the sterile setup from the microbial population in
the patient's hair. In addition, it prevents the discharge of static electric sparks from the
patient's hair.
MD0935
4-3