Question about Scrubbing

[fracturenurse]

I recently moved and started a new job. I was sitting in the break room listening to a couple of employees arguing over the correct way to scrub. I'm really just curious how most people scrub after listening to this argument. Do you do your fingernails, then do your fingers on each hand, then your palms on each hand, then each arm, OR do you do your fingernails, then fingers, then hand, etc on ONE arm completely and switch to the other? Hope this makes sense. I'm an RN who rarely scrubs, but was taught years ago to do your fingernails on each hand, then fingers on each hand, then palms on each hand, etc... Just curious!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I was taught to start with fingernails with the separate fingernail cleaner then use the scrub brush on one hand to the wrist, do the other hand, then the forearm, switch sides and do the forearm, then finally elbows and two inches above the elbow, switch sides and repeat.

[fracturenurse]

That's how I was taught too! I'm being told it's wrong though!!! I just don't know anymore, I guess as long as your hands are scrubbed you are in the clear! LOL:no:

[JamieJCST]

I was taught to start with fingernails with the separate fingernail cleaner then use the scrub brush on one hand to the wrist, do the other hand, then the forearm, switch sides and do the forearm, then finally elbows and two inches above the elbow, switch sides and repeat.

This is how I was taught in Surgical Tech school.

[Scrubtech13]

I'm now a teacher for a Surgical Technology Program and the updated AST Guidelines for Scrubbing are as follows:

1. You take the pick from the brush package and pick your fingernails under the water

2. Take the brush & using the bristle side - scrub your fingernails for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other hand

3. Flip the brush over to the sponge side and starting with your fingers (4 planes on each finger) scrub each place 10 strokes moving around each finger (back & forth = 1 stroke)

4. After the fingers, you scrub your palm 10 strokes. Move to the back of your hand for 10 strokes

5. Then you divide your arm into 2 sections (4 planes for each section) scrub each plane for 10 strokes

6. Then move to 2 inches above your elbow (4 planes, each 10 strokes)

REPEAT on the other hand and arm. You are suppose to scrub one whole side before moving to the other and if you happen to scrub over a section that has already been scrubbed, you are suppose to start over at the fingers because you contaminated yourself.

[ealgava]

I have 30 years of OR experience as an RN. I was taught the same way, but now there are the soapless and waterless scrubs like Avegard. The reps say you can use it as a first scrub of the day but that's wrong. You have to do a traditional scrub first then you can use the Avegard for subsequent cases.

[Krystle022]

I do it the same as you.