Our health system is working hard to standardize practice across campuses and i am hoping for some resolution from fellow experts. We use a fenestrated drape over the arm after scrubbing. Some members of the team prefer not to remove all the tape that enables a seal on the skin isolating our insertion site. Some members are objecting to this stating it is not best practice or safe pratice. I am not sure if it should be considered preference if sterility is maintained or not be done. I would greatly appreciate some feedback. We currently follow the full body drape standards. Thanks
I am not quite understanding what you are referring too?? Are referring to not removing the backing of the tape that makes it adhere or what??
Gina Ward R.N., VA-BC
According to the 2016 AORN Guideline for Sterile Technique, Recommendation IV, Sterile drapes should be used to establish a sterile field. Sterile drapes provide a barrier that minimizes the passage of microorganisms from unsterile to sterile areas and reduces the risk of health care-associated infections. If the skin is prepped, and there is no 'barrier' (meaning the adhesive tape is not utilized)-- the 'seal' is not effective between the prepped area and the unprepped area. This may increase ability for microorganisms to migrate from the unprepped area to the prepped area, resulting In a surgical site infection.
Additionally, according to the same Guideline, IV.a.7-- The portion of the surgical drape that establishes the sterile field should not be moved after it has been positioned. If the adhesive tape is not removed and attached appropriately to the patient, the drape could move, resulting in an unprepped area of skin to be within the field--another potential risk for a surgical site infection.
The adhesive tape is placed by the manufacturer for a reason-- to create a seal and assure that the drape is immobile.
Ren Scott, MSN/Ed, BSHS/M, RN, CNOR
Thanks! Do you have a website for ordering these AORN documents? Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861