Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 18 TSC 433 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Skin Antiseptics
The idea
The patient's skin at the surgical site is prepared with an antiseptic solution that reduces the microbes on the skin before incision.
In practice
Learn the main points in order. First, the WHO surgical infection guideline recommends alcohol-based antiseptic solutions, preferably based on chlorhexidine, for preparing intact skin. Second, povidone-iodine, an iodine compound, is another common surgical skin antiseptic. Third, allergies are checked first; the textbook notes that a seafood allergy is now thought to relate to fish protein rather than iodine. Fourth, alcohol-based solutions are flammable until fully dry. Fifth, the facility chooses the products, and the label's directions govern their use.
Where people slip
Choosing the antiseptic is not the scrub person's decision, but recognizing a flammable preparation is. If an alcohol-based prep is used, the drying time is part of fire prevention as well as infection prevention.
Your place on the trail
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