All
Counts
Counts
The count that is performed before the start of the procedure, preferably before the patient enters the room.
What is the BASELINE count?
This is the least number of counts possible for a procedure.
What is 2?
This is required if an incorrect count cannot be resolved.
What is an X-RAY?
The sequence for scanning sponges is this.
What is SCAN/BREAK/COUNT?
The final sponge count status when sponges are therapeutically packed.
What is INCORRECT?
For teaching purposes, two of these may count together as long as one is an RN.
What is 2 SCRUBS?
These are counted hand-to-table.
What are SPONGES?
This documentation is required if an incorrect count cannot be resolved.
What is a PATIENT SAFETY REPORT FORM (PSRF)?
This type of tag is saved on the sterile field when sponges are used.
What is the MASTER TAG?
This is documented, if known, but is not required.
What is the NUMBER of sponges packed?
An item, not intended to remain, that is found to be in any part of the patient’s body after leaving the operating room.
What is a RETAINED SURGICAL ITEM?
Countable items are counted in this sequence.
What are SPONGES, SHARPS/MISC. ITEMS AND INSTRUMENTS?
This item, 11mm or smaller, if lost does not require an x-ray.
What is a SUTURE NEEDLE?
Surgicount will say this if you try to scan sponges that have already been scanned.
What is DUPLICATE?
This test is performed when all sponges have been removed.
What is X-RAY?
This is done by the surgeon prior to wound closure to check for unintentionally retained items.
What is a VISUAL AND/OR MANUAL SWEEP OF THE WOUND?
All counts require the use of these two senses (body parts).
What is EARS/EYES (AUDIBLE/VISUAL)?
At the surgeon’s discretion, X-ray may be taken in the ICU based on this.
What is PATIENT ACUITY?
The sequence for counting and scanning off used sponges is this.
What is BUCKET, SCAN IT, BAG IT?
When therapeutically packed sponges are removed an x-ray does not have to be performed if...
What is THE PATIENT IS REPACKED?
An instrument count performed by the scrub person only to ensure that all instruments necessary for the surgical procedure are present and accounted for.
What is an Instrument INVENTORY count?
For incision site(s) greater than the size of any instrument that may be used, this type of instrument count must be performed (ortho and neuro excluded).
What is a 2-PERSON INSTRUMENT COUNT?
X-rays must be read by this person.
Who is a RADIOLOGIST?
Three of the four bar coded countable items currently available.
What are LAPS, THORACIC, RAYTEC AND TOWELS?
This is done to all therapeutically packed sponges that are removed, they are not included in the count.
What is ISOLATED (OR SEQUESTERED)?