AORN, APIC, and the CDC recommend using surgical clippers to remove hair from a surgical site, and removal of those hair remnants is your first line defense against HAIs. The standard, and seemingly cheap way to do this, is with medical tape. However, don’t grab that roll of tape just yet.
In actuality, the more effective method, in both time and money, is a pre-op mitt because it is designed specifically for the task. A pre-op mitt features a large peel-and-stick surface that removes all hair remnants and lint from the prepped area in one step. This helps reduce the incidents of surgical site infections by removing the tiny hair remnants that can harbor bacteria. After use, it can be turned inside out, just like a surgical glove, for easy mess-free disposal.
The cost of the pre-op mitt pales in comparison to the cost of a roll of tape. Secondly, it cannot be used on multiple patients, assuring compliance with hospital protocols. While both methods perform the same essential duties, a pre-op mitt does the job in a cleaner, neater, more professional manner. This will help to ensure a professional atmosphere and increased patient safety & satisfaction by replacing the unsightly “taped up glove technique.”