Surgical Setup
Surgical Suite
Access to the surgical suite is limited to personnel and items with a legitimate reason to be there. Special surgical attire must be worn in a surgical suite. Radiographic equipment must be wiped down with appropriate aseptic solution and a sterile cover is placed over portion going over the patient. Some hospitals have imaging equipment reserved only for use in surgery and some surgery suites have permanent imaging equipment installed which reduces contamination.
Surgical Clothing
Surgical Clothing Includes:
1. Nonsterile shirt and pants
2. Mask - covers nose and mouth
3. Hat or hood - covers all hair (including a beard, if applicable)
4. Shoe covers - may be optional
5. Gloves - donned to handle anything contaminated with blood
Sterile Corridor - The area between the patient drape and the instrument table. Only those wearing sterile attire are allowed in this area.
Guidelines:
1. Be aware of the sterile field.
2. Do not wear anything that dangles.
3. Avoid putting any objects in your pockets that can fall out.
4. Pass behind the back of a sterile team member to avoid contamination.
Surgical C-Arm Radiography
1. Requires strict attention to sterile technique.
2. Be aware of sterile corridor.
3. Portable fluoroscopy requires the image receptor and patient be draped.
4. The surgical draping of the C-arm and the patient is performed by the surgical team.
5. C-arm draping may use any of 3 designs.
Taking Portable Radiographs in the Operating Room
1. Dress appropriately.
2. Be aware of sterile areas.
3. Identify surgical team and float nurse.
4. Take charge of your area of responsibility.
5. Position the image receptor and the x-ray unit appropriately.
6. Communicate clearly with the operating room staff.