No, you should not wear nail polish during surgery.
It is important to remove nail polish before undergoing surgery. The presence of nail polish can interfere with a pulse oximeter, a device used to monitor your oxygen levels during the procedure. Here's a breakdown of why:
Why Nail Polish is a Problem During Surgery
- Pulse Oximeter Interference: The pulse oximeter works by shining a light through the fingertip to measure the oxygen saturation in your blood. Nail polish, especially dark colors, can block or absorb this light. This interference can cause inaccurate readings. As a reference explains, "Because nail polish prevents the sensor's ability to precisely detect oxygen levels, it can affect the results".
- Detection of Cyanosis: One of the key places to monitor for cyanosis (a bluish discoloration indicating low oxygen) is the nail bed. Nail polish conceals the natural color of your nails, making it harder for healthcare professionals to detect this condition visually.
Alternatives and Solutions
If you regularly wear nail polish, here are some practical steps to take before your surgery:
- Remove nail polish completely with nail polish remover well in advance of your surgery date.
- Do not apply any new nail polish or any artificial nails before your procedure.
- Inform the surgical team about any concerns or questions regarding nail polish and surgery.
Key Takeaway
The accuracy of oxygen level monitoring is critical during surgery. To ensure patient safety, it is standard practice to remove nail polish before undergoing any surgical procedure. The reference clearly states, "The nail is an important area for detecting cyanosis (a bluish discolouration caused by low oxygen levels). So if you have nail polish, the pulse oximeter may struggle to monitor this area efficiently."
