Operating Room Etiquette

The operating room can be a scary place for patients, which is why many doctors do all they can to make individuals feel safe and comfortable. Operating room etiquette is also helpful in assuring patients that they are in capable, qualified hands when going under the knife.

Scrubs and Coats

• In the hospital hallways, doctors are required to wear clean scrubs and white lab coats. White coats are not allowed once the doctor enters the operating room, since it can prohibit the surgeon from moving efficiently. Also, getting blood or bodily fluids on the coat does not present a comforting or professional image when the doctor goes to report the status of the surgery to the patient's family.

Hair and Face

• According to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, all surgeons must cover their hair while in the operating room suite--hats are usually inside the doors of the main operating room in most hospitals. Once the surgical instruments have been opened, masks must be worn by all doctors in the operating room. If a doctor is scrubbing in for an operation, eye protection is also imperative.

Medical Students and Supplies

• Interns going into the operating room with a doctor should be prepared to help with certain parts of the surgery, but should never pick up or handle a surgical instrument without permission. This can distract the presiding surgeon, and could result in minor injuries. Also, additional sutures and other medical supplies should be stored in the operating room, to reduce the need for anyone to come in and out of the room during the surgery.

Hand Washing

• Surgeons and medical students are required to wash their hands thoroughly before each surgery. Hands and arms should be wet slightly above the elbows, and an antibacterial soap should be used for scrubbing. Hospitals also have nail picks and scrubs so doctors can clean their fingernails. After washing their hands, surgeons are to wait for the scrub nurse or technician to give them a towel to prevent the spread of germs. Scrub technicians hold out the gloves for doctors to put their hands into so the surgeon will not have to touch anything with bare hands after washing.

Sterility

• Surgeons must keep in mind that any part of their body that is not covered with a medical gown is not sterile, so they should be careful not to touch these body parts during any part of the operation. Leaning or bumping against another surgeon or medical equipment is avoided during surgery, and doctors are advised to keep their hands on their chests when not working on the patient directly.