Preparing Hands and Field of Operation 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Texas A&M System
Objectives List steps in washing hands List steps in preparation of the surgical site List and describe types of germicides Discuss sources of contamination
Purpose To prevent infection and to permit normal healing of the animal
Preparation of the Hands Keep nails trimmed short Place soap in hand with water. Wash to ~3 inches below elbow Clean under nails under running water Use sterile brush and soap Fingers Hand Other fingers/hand Wrist Forearm Rinse hand then arm Dry with sterile towel
Preparation of Surgical Field Clip operative area Against grain Vacuum hair clippings Apply iodine scrub Rub with cotton in circular motion Wipe off Scrub and dry 2 nd time Apply germicide solution