Proper Technique for Wound Irrigation

Irrigating a wound is a procedure that uses saline or another prescribed liquid in a syringe to wash out debris and bacteria from an open wound before treating, closing and dressing the wound. According to a study published on the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery website, irrigating a wound can reduce the presence of bacteria from 40 to 70 percent. Proper irrigation techniques will help maximize the benefit of the procedure.

Preparations

• Wash your hands thoroughly and be sure all equipment you plan to use is sterile, according to King Saud University (KSU). While you will be washing away debris and bacteria, you can further contaminate the wound if your hands are not properly prepared.

  Put on clean gloves and an eye shield to protect yourself and the patient from any contact with the wound. The patient should be seated or otherwise positioned in a way that will encourage the solution used in the irrigation to run from the top to the bottom of the wound, downward into a receptacle.

  Remove any existing bandages, if applicable, and discard them into a biohazard receptacle. Throw your gloves away with the used bandages and wash your hands again and replace the gloves. Drape a blanket or towel over the patient so that the wound is exposed, but the rest of his body is protected from any splash of liquid.

Explain the Procedure to the Patient

• If this is the first time the patient's wound is being irrigated, make sure she knows what is about to happen.

  Explain the procedure in detail and let her know if you believe she may experience pain, cold, heat or any other sensation. You do not want anything to surprise her, or else you may get a jerking reaction or an unhappy patient.

Irrigation Technique

• Open up sterile wound dressings that will be used following the irrigation and place them nearby. Check the bottle of solution to be sure you are using the properly prescribed liquid and draw it up into the syringe, according to KSU.

  Hold the syringe above the top edge of the wound and force the liquid into the wound slowly without stopping until you have emptied the syringe. Press the plunger with enough force to dislodge debris, but do not splash the liquid.

  Irrigate the entire wound thoroughly and never force liquid into the pockets of the wound. The drainage should be clear when the process is done.

  Apply the sterile dressing to the wound and remove your gloves and wash you hands again. Ask the patient to report any excessive pain or drainage.