The key to scrubbing for an Operating Theatre (OT) involves a meticulous hand-washing process aimed at removing as many microorganisms as possible to maintain a sterile environment. Based on the provided reference material, here's a breakdown of one part of the surgical scrub process:
Surgical Scrub Technique: Thumb and Fingers
This section focuses specifically on scrubbing the thumbs and fingers:
- Thumb Scrubbing: Scrub the outside surface of the thumb from wrist to tip, using ten strokes. Repeat on the other side of the thumb.
- Finger Scrubbing: Apply ten strokes to each side of each finger.
This is just one piece of the entire scrubbing procedure. A complete surgical scrub involves a timed washing of the hands and arms using an antiseptic soap and water, followed by drying with a sterile towel. Different hospitals and institutions may have slight variations in their protocols, so it's essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by your facility.