Hand Hygiene
True or False: Alcohol-based hand rubs can be used for surgical hand antisepsis.
True
If a sterile drape becomes wet, what should you do?
Replace it immediately because moisture can allow bacteria to migrate
What is the recommended OR temperature range to reduce SSI risk?
68–75°F
What does the SWITCH acronym stand for, and how does it support safety communication in clinical settings?
Surgical Procedure,
Wet (ie, fluids),
Instruments,
Tissue (ie, Specimen),
Counts,
Have any Questions?
How should sharps be passed?
Using a neutral zone or hands-free technique
Before entering the operating room, what is the recommended method for surgical hand antisepsis?
Surgical hand scrub or alcohol-based hand rub according to facility protocol
The absence of all microorganisms
Sterility
Why should OR doors remain closed during surgery?
To maintain positive pressure and reduce airborne contamination
When should a team member initiate SWITCH?
anytime an individual needs relieve, is going on break or home
What water type should be used during the 4S process to rinse and wipe reusable instruments?
Sterile water only; saline and tap water must not be used.
True or False: Jewelry, watches, and artificial nails are permitted during surgical hand antisepsis.
False – they must be removed to prevent contamination
The last flap to be opened, when opening a wrapped sterile package
the flap closest to you
Type of cleaning is done between each case.
Turnover Cleaning
What are the key responsibilities of the Staff during SWITCH?
Staff must pause their actions, listen actively, and fully receive the handoff information without distraction.
What is the 4S process
Squirt, sort, string, spray
Keyword is Champion
What types of nail products are NOT permitted for team members who provide direct patient care or work in the patient’s immediate environment?
Artificial nails, nail accouterments of any kind (including synthetic, acrylic, silk, dips, glitter, wraps, and nail extenders/tips), and long-lasting nail enamel that requires UV curing or cannot be removed immediately (such as gel or shellac) are not permitted.
Name the area of the gown that is considered to be sterile
front of the gown from the chest to the level of the sterile field
Enhanced cleaning measures are implemented when
Patient are suspected or diagnosed with transmissible disease.
Why is it important for all team members to verbally confirm surgical counts, specimen labels, and patient identifiers during SWITCH?
Verbal confirmation ensures shared understanding among team members and catches potential discrepancies early.
This protects patient safety by preventing retained items, mislabeled specimens, and wrong‑patient or wrong‑site errors.
What PPE must be worn when spraying enzymatic presoak on instruments?
Impermeable gown, gloves, and a mask with eye shield.
Primary means to prevent health care associated infections
hand hygiene
Occurs when fluid or blood penetrates through the surgical gown or drapes contamination
strike through
Term used to for how long it takes for a cleaning agent to kill organisms.
Contact Time
How does SWITCH help reduce errors and improve communication during operative case transitions or relief breaks?
SWITCH creates a structured and consistent handoff process, ensuring no critical information is missed when team members change roles or leave/enter the room.
What should you do if a critical instrument is missing when checking the instrument set label?
Call SPD for a replacement instrument or tray before opening; if unavailable, determine whether a substitute instrument can be used.