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SURGICAL SCRUB
Presented by MAJ Patti Glen
PURPOSE OF SURGICAL SCRUB
Aims to remove dirt, oils and bacteria from the
hands and forearms of operating personnel.
It should kill transient bacteria and have a
prolonged depressant effect on the resident
bacteria and should not irritate skin or be time
consuming.
Brushes and nail cleaners are commonly used
with an antiseptic.
Brushes should be soft enough to not damage
skin, but still achieve the expected result
It is important that specific attention is paid to the
fingernails as this area has the highest bacterial
load.
SCRUB PROCEDURES
Two scrub procedures commonly used


a timed anatomic scrub, where all surfaces of the hand and arm
are scrubbed for a specified length of time
the counted strokes method where each part of the hand and
arm receives a specific number of scrub strokes
For all techniques it is important that hands are held
above elbows so that water flows away from the hands
Important that the scrub solution is left on the skin for a
suitable length of time (this will be dependent on the
manufacturers’ recommendations)
Whatever technique is used, the hands are clean rather
than sterile, so sterile surgical gloves and a sterile long
sleeved surgical gown should be worn.
SUGGESTED INSTANCES FOR
HAND HYGIENE
Before and after touching catheters,
drains, wounds etc
After removing gloves
When hands are visibly soiled
On arrival to and before leaving work
Before and after eating/smoking
After using the toilet/wiping nose
After any clean up
MATERIALS TO USE
A hand wash with soap and water is
suitable for most basic care activities.
Before touching wounds or
performing invasive procedures, and
after dealing with
infected/contaminated
patients/tissues, an antiseptic hand
wash or alcoholic hand rub should be
performed.
NECESSITY FOR HAND
WASHING
Hand washing is the
single most important
means of preventing
hospital acquired
infections
REASONS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE
Being too busy and not thinking about it
Skin irritation
Washing facilities not being readily available
Wearing gloves
Lack of guidance/protocols
Absence of an appropriate role-model from
colleagues/superiors
Skepticism about the effectiveness of hand
hygiene
METHODS TO IMPROVE HAND
HYGIENE COMPLIANCE
Education; instruction and constant
reinforcement within the work place
Modeling of good behavior by senior staff
Ensuring the staff patient ratio is favorable
Introducing conveniently placed alcoholic
hand rubs in order to remove the need to
wash hands after every patient contact
Allowing opportunities for hand hygiene
remote from washing facilities
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
Good hand hygiene is fundamental to effective
prevention of cross-infection and should be
adopted by all those working in clinical
veterinary medicine.
It is easy to perform and good compliance will
result in a reduction in hospital acquired and
zoonotic infections.
This will bring benefits to patients and clients as
well as veterinary surgeons and their staff.
Veterinary surgeons and nurses should be
instrumental in educating staff, students and
owners about the importance of hand hygiene.
REFERENCES
http://www.veterinarynursetrainingonline.or
g/correct_hand_washing_technique.html#
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