M A y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 3
move outward toward the periphery of the surgical site. Be sure to
apply the prep with uniform distribution to avoid pooling around and
underneath the patient. Follow the prep manufacturers' instructions
for use with respect to the movement — concentric circles or a
back-and-forth motion — required when applying the prep.
• Don't rush. Allow enough time as noted on the instructions
for use for alcohol-based solutions to dry before draping the
patient in order to avoid the build-up of fumes that can serve as
the fuel for surgical fires when ignition sources such as elec-
trosurgery devices and lasers are used.
• Care for your hands. Always perform proper hand hygiene
and don sterile gloves and long-sleeved surgical attire before
applying preps.
• Keep hair intact. Don't remove hair from around the surgical
site unless the hair will interfere with the surgeon's ability to per-
form the procedure. Removing hair can cause trauma to the skin
that can increase the risk of SSIs. If hair removal is necessary, do
it in the pre-op area — not the OR — using electric clippers (the
best options) or depilatory cream. Note: Apply a small amount of
the cream to the patient's skin to ensure an allergic reaction
doesn't occur before applying more to larger skin areas. Remove
hair with wet clipping or suction to prevent removed particles from
spreading. Be sure to maintain the privacy and dignity of the
patient when removing hair from or around sensitive areas.
• Take note. Document that the prep was applied, the type of
prep that was used, which members of the surgical team applied
it and the integrity of the skin around the surgical site before the
prep is applied and after surgery.
— Outpatient Surgery Editors
