If most of the normal flora and for part transient microbes are not harmful then why must hands be scrubbed before surgery?

Even though most of the normal flora and for part transient microbes are not harmful, hands must be scrubbed before surgery to prevent the risk of infection. This is because the surgical site is a sterile environment, and any bacteria that are introduced during surgery can cause an infection.

The skin is home to a variety of bacteria, including some that can cause infections. When a surgeon operates on a patient, there is a risk that these bacteria can be transferred to the surgical site and cause an infection. This is why it is important for surgeons to scrub their hands thoroughly before surgery to remove as many bacteria as possible.

Hand scrubbing is an effective way to reduce the risk of infection because it removes bacteria from the skin. The process of hand scrubbing involves using a surgical scrub, which is a type of soap that contains antibacterial agents. The scrub is applied to the hands and rubbed together for at least 2 minutes, paying special attention to the areas around the nails and between the fingers. The hands are then rinsed thoroughly with water and dried with a sterile towel.

In addition to hand scrubbing, surgeons also wear sterile gloves during surgery to further reduce the risk of infection. The gloves create a barrier between the surgeon's hands and the surgical site, preventing bacteria from being transferred.