Tying gowns after the spin card has dropped

[linda2097]

Occasionally when a scrub tech dons a disposable gown, the spin card drops down. In this situation, most circulators do the tying and then cut the excess with a scissor.

This seems kinda sloppy to me though. Since the knot is now contaminated, it is very easy for the scrub tech to contaminate her elbow by touching it to the contaminated knot.

Opinions?

[CA_OR_RN]

With the disposable gowns we have there is no way to tie the spin part in the back. At best the circulator can tie it on the side but then it can still be touched by a sterile elbow. Because of this, my practice is to tie the gown, cut off the excess and give the person a sterile vest to cover the contaminated knot.