Surgical Hand Scrub Training

Learn the correct procedure for surgical hand scrubbing before entering the operating room.

Step 1: Preparation Before Scrubbing

Before beginning the surgical hand scrub, remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, and bracelets. Inspect your hands and forearms for cuts, skin infections, or dermatitis. These conditions may prevent proper scrubbing. Adjust your surgical mask and eye protection before turning on the water.

What must be done before starting the surgical scrub?

Remove jewelry and inspect hands and forearms for lesions Dry hands with a sterile towel Turn on the sink and begin scrubbing immediately Put on sterile gloves

Step 2: Initial Hand Wash

Perform a general wash of the hands and forearms using non-medicated soap and running water. This step removes visible dirt and organic matter from the skin before the antimicrobial scrub begins. Rinse thoroughly from the fingertips toward the elbows.

What is the purpose of the initial hand wash?

Apply antimicrobial scrub Dry the hands with a sterile towel Sterilize the hands completely Remove visible dirt and organic matter

Step 3: Subungual Cleaning

Under running water, use a disposable nail cleaner to remove debris from underneath the fingernails of both hands. This step helps eliminate microorganisms that may be trapped under the nails.

Why is subungual cleaning important?

Clean the sink before scrubbing Apply antimicrobial soap Remove debris and microorganisms under the fingernails Dry the fingernails

Step 4: Antimicrobial Scrubbing

Apply a standardized antimicrobial surgical scrub solution such as chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine. Scrub all surfaces of the fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms using a standardized technique and stroke pattern.

Which product is used for the surgical scrub?

Antimicrobial surgical scrub solution Alcohol wipes Regular hand soap Chlorine-based disinfectant

Step 5: Rinse and Dry Procedure

Rinse hands and arms by passing them through the water in one direction only, from fingertips toward the elbows. After rinsing, keep the hands elevated above the elbows so water flows from the cleanest area to the less clean area. Dry each arm with a sterile towel using a dabbing motion.

Why must the hands remain above the elbow level after scrubbing?

Water must flow from the cleanest area to the less clean area To reduce water usage To dry the hands faster To prevent soap from dripping

Step 6: Wrist and Forearm Scrubbing

Scrub the wrists and forearms using circular motions moving toward the elbow. Ensure that the scrub extends at least 2 inches (5 cm) above the elbow to properly disinfect the surgical area.

Why must the scrubbing extend above the elbow?

To ensure the entire surgical area is properly disinfected To reduce soap usage To dry the arms faster To prevent water splashing

Step 7: Proper Rinsing Direction

Rinse hands and arms by passing them through the water in one direction only, from fingertips toward the elbows. Never move the arms back and forth through the water stream.

Why should the arms not move back and forth during rinsing?

It may re-contaminate the hands with bacteria from upper arm It wastes water It makes the process slower It prevents soap from dissolving

Step 8: Entering the Operating Room

After rinsing, keep the hands in a flexed position above the elbows and away from the scrub suit. Enter the operating room using a back-first entry and retrieve a sterile towel from the sterile pack.

Why must the hands remain elevated after rinsing?

To prevent contamination and keep hands above waist level It wastes water To dry the arms faster To avoid touching the sink

Training Completed!

Congratulations!

You have successfully completed the Surgical Hand Scrub Training module. You are now ready to enter the operating room with confidence and proper aseptic technique.