SURGICAL GOWNING
Sterile gowns are worn in the operating room and the delivery room and whenever open wounds are present which necessitate a sterile technique, e.g. to attend to patient with burns
Procedure
- Put on the head cap and mask first
- Scrub hand thoroughly
- Dry the hands with sterile towel
- Pick up the gown by grasping the folded gown at the neck. Stand well back about one foot from the sterile bundle and the table
- Unfold it by keeping the gown away from the body do not shake the gown
- Hold the gown at the shoulder (inside) and put each hand alternately into the arm holes
- Extend the arms and hold hands upward at the shoulder height
- The circulating nurse than assist her in pulling the sleeves by working from behind and holding the gown from the inside
- The gown is then fastened at the neck by the circulating nurse and the open edges are the folded or held together
- The waist ties are then fastened by the circulating nurse from behind
Surgical gowning is a process that healthcare professionals follow to put on a sterile surgical gown as part of the preparation for entering an operating room or engaging in a sterile procedure. The purpose of surgical gowning is to maintain aseptic conditions and prevent the introduction of contaminants into the sterile field. Here is a general guide for surgical gowning:
Surgical Gowning Steps:
1. Perform Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before starting the gowning process.
2. Select a Sterile Gown:
- Choose a sterile surgical gown appropriate for the specific procedure. Gowns are typically packaged in a way that allows for aseptic opening.
3. Inspect the Gown:
- Examine the gown for any visible damage or defects. If the gown is compromised in any way, do not use it, and obtain a replacement.
4. Open the Gown Package:
- Open the gown package aseptically. Be cautious not to touch the inside of the gown with bare hands.
5. Allow the Gown to Unfold:
- Allow the gown to unfold without touching its inside surfaces. The outside of the gown is considered sterile.
6. Insert Arms into Sleeves:
- Slip your arms through the sleeves of the gown without touching the outer surface. Keep your hands and wrists within the gown sleeves.
7. Secure Gown at Neck:
- If the gown has a hook-and-loop or tie closure system, secure the gown at the neck, making sure it covers the front of the neck area.
8. Ask for Assistance If Needed:
- If assistance is available, ask a colleague to secure the gown at the back, ensuring a snug fit without any exposed skin.
9. Secure Gown at the Back:
- Secure the gown at the back using the ties or closures provided. The back of the gown should be covered entirely.
10. Allow Colleagues to Assist: – If additional assistance is needed to secure the gown, colleagues may help without compromising the sterility of the gown.
11. Maintain Sterile Field: – Be mindful of maintaining the sterile field throughout the gowning process. Avoid touching non-sterile surfaces or reaching behind you.
12. Don Sterile Gloves: – After gowning, proceed to don sterile gloves. The gloves should be put on over the cuffs of the gown sleeves.
13. Perform a Sterile Gowning Check: – Perform a final check to ensure that the gown is secure, covers all necessary areas, and is free of visible defects.
14. Enter Sterile Area: – Once properly gowned and gloved, enter the sterile field or operating room without touching non-sterile surfaces.
