Gowning Procedure
POLICY:
The nature of the procedures performed at our organization does not necessitate the use of sterile technique. Sterile draping, gloving and technique is not used during endoscopic procedures and endoscopic instrument reprocessing. High level disinfection is used for endoscopic instrument reprocessing.
The sterile gown is worn to permit the wearer to come within
the sterile field and to carry out sterile technique during
the operation. Disposable wrap-around gowns are used only
once; they should be removed and disposed of immediately
following the procedure.
PROCEDURE:
Packaged sterile gowns and gloves are opened on a separate
table. The inside of the wrapper becomes a sterile field.
After following scrubbing protocol, dry hands and arms with
towel provided with the sterile gown; care should be taken
not to return to an area already dried. If while drying the
hands the towel becomes contaminated by brushing against the
scrub attire, it is discarded and another sterile towel is
obtained:
1. Towel is grasped by one corner, allowing it to unfold.
This maintains integrity of surgical scrub and prevents
the spread of contaminants by moisture. Bend slightly
forward to prevent towel from hitting unsterile scrub
clothing.
2. One hand is dried starting from the fingers and working
up to the elbow without returning down the arm.
3. With the dried hand, grasp lower edge of towel. Dry the
fingers of the second hand and work up to the elbow.
4. Discard towel in proper receptacle. Towel is now a
source for attracting contaminants due to its moist
quality.
5. Pick up the sterile gown by grasping the middle of the
gown towards the neck edge and lift off from the wrapper
avoiding the wrapper edges. Step back and allow the gown
to unfold, holding it away from the body.
6. While facing the sterile field, place hands and arms into
both sleeves simultaneously, keeping hands inside at the
wrist cuffs. Avoid touching outside of gowns.
7. A staff person fastens the gown at the neck and the
inside waist strings. The front of the gown from
shoulders to waist including the sleeves is considered
sterile.
8. Gloving procedure is followed, according to protocol.
9. After gloving the 'turn tab' is presented to the
circulator. The back of sterile gown is considered dirty.
Therefore, the sterile person cannot reach around own
back to tie gown.
10. Turn so that the tie is brought completely around the
waist. A secure gown prevents the shedding of bacteria
onto a sterile field. Gown strings are not allowed to
drop below waist level until after tied. Gown is not
considered sterile below the waist.
Approved By Governing Board
PP.5
Control #119.0
GUPTA GASTRO