Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

Operative care principlesC-49• Hold hands above the level of the elbow, wet hands thoroughlyand apply soap.• Begin at the fingertips and lather and wash, using a circular motion:- Wash between all fingers;- Move from the fingertips to the elbows of one hand and thenrepeat for the second hand.• Rinse each arm separately, fingertips first, holding hands above thelevel of the elbows.• Wash for 3–5 minutes.• Use a separate towel to dry each hand. Wipe from the fingertips tothe elbow and then discard the towel.• Ensure that scrubbed hands do not come into contact with objects(e.g. equipment, protective gown) that are not high-leveldisinfected or sterile. If the hands touch a contaminated surface,repeat surgical handscrub.PREPARING THE INCISION SITE• Prepare the skin with an antiseptic (e.g. iodophors, chlorhexidine):- Apply antiseptic solution three times to the incision site usinga high-level disinfected ring forceps and cotton or gauze swab.If the swab is held with a gloved hand, do not contaminate theglove by touching unprepared skin;- Begin at the proposed incision site and work outward in acircular motion away from the incision site;- At the edge of the sterile field discard the swab.• Never go back to the middle of the prepared area with the sameswab. Keep your arms and elbows high and surgical dress awayfrom the surgical field.• Drape the woman immediately after the area is prepared to avoidcontamination:- If the drape has a window, place the window directly over theincision site first.- Unfold the drape away from the incision site to avoidcontamination.