Surgical Technologist how-to
How to Perform a Surgical Hand Scrub
Surgical hand antisepsis reduces microorganisms on the skin before you enter the sterile field. Follow your facility’s policy and product instructions.
Surgical hand antisepsis reduces microorganisms on the skin before you enter the sterile field. Follow your facility’s policy and product instructions. In short: remove; wash; apply, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Remove jewelry, check that nails are short and clean, and put on a surgical cap and mask.
Wash hands and forearms with soap and water if visibly soiled, cleaning under nails with a nail cleaner.
Apply the approved scrub agent and scrub each side of each finger, between fingers, the hands and forearms to two inches above the elbow.
Keep hands above the elbows so water runs away from the hands.
Follow the timed or counted-stroke method required by your facility.
Rinse from fingertips to elbows, keeping hands up.
Enter the OR backward through the door and dry with a sterile towel before gowning.
Safety reminders for surgical technologists
- Maintain sterile technique and speak up about any break in sterility
- Pass sharps using a neutral zone or with clear communication
- Use smoke evacuation for electrosurgery to reduce exposure to surgical plume
- Follow counts and time-out protocols on every case
Key terms
Sterile field · Scrub role · Circulator · Back table · Mayo stand · Surgical count: see the full surgical technologist glossary.