need creative solutions like that to prevent sharps injuries.
4
Hands-free neutral zones
Surgeons and their first assistants should identify the location
of the hands-free neutral zone at the beginning of the case and
announce it to the rest of the team during the pre-op time out. Sharps
should be passed only through the neutral zone, and only one at a
time; all other instruments must be passed by hand. The surgical tech
must announce the sharp by name before placing it in the neutral
zone and orient it so that the surgeon can pick it up without having to
reposition the handle.
The device or tray you pick for the neutral zone is important. Some
ORs use emesis basins to house sharps, but they tip over easily and
J U N E 2 0 1 7 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 2 5
Improve O.R. Sharps Safety for less than a dollar per procedure
*
®
Neutral Zone Tray
S e e i t i n a c t i o n : w w w. b i t . l y / s o z o n e
viscotcs@viscot.com • www.viscot.com • 800.221.0658
*based on 50+ uses
• Autoclavable
can be re-used for hundreds of procedures
• Bright Red Color
high visibility, even using peripheral vision
• Hands Free Technique made easy
excellent surgeon, sta! & sterile
processing acceptance!
Complies with Hands Free Technique
recommendations from
AORN, OSHA, & ACS
