How many counts?

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

Our policy says to do two counts if the incision is deep...one for underlying tissues, and one at skin. For just muscle/fascia...say a limb incision to a bone, how deep before you do more than just a skin count?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Our policy states that we must count twice minimally when we close, one when we start fascia, and one on skin. If there's another cavity involved (uterus, bladder) then there must be three. I've seen some not do a second count, and should something happen, you can bet the hospital will throw them under the bus for not following policy.

[Libitina]

One count for each layer that is being closed, plus as many others as the scrub deems fit in the meantime.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I do an instrument/soft count when they start closing fascia. Then I do another soft count for deep muscle and a final soft count for skin closure. I always do three, because there is absolutely no question if three counts were done. For scopes, I only do two.

[goats'r'us, ASN, RN]

one count for each cavity they close, and I count deep incisions as a cavity. So uterus closure - count. peritoneum closure - count. skin closure - count. Or, muscle closure and skin closure on a joint etc.

I'll only settle for one count for really minor or non-invasive things - closure of lacerations, hands, feet, faces, arthroscopies..