All procedures
GMC #12/Patient care taught Y3
Surgical scrubbing up
Follow approved processes for cleaning hands and wearing PPE before procedures or surgical operations.
Target · Perform under supervision0% ready
Do it on a patient with a supervisor observing you (GMC “direct supervision”).
Overview
Sterile technique for theatre. The whole point is not to contaminate — keep hands above the elbows and never touch anything non-sterile.
Indications
- Any sterile/aseptic procedure or surgical operation
Equipment
Scrub sinkAntiseptic (4% chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)Sterile gown & gloves, sterile towel, nail brush/pick
Step by step
Prepare
- 1Don theatre hat and mask; remove jewellery; open the sterile gown/glove pack onto a clean surface
- 2Perform a social hand wash first
Surgical scrub
- 1Clean under the nails
- 2Wash hands and forearms to the elbows using antiseptic, keeping hands above the elbows so water runs off at the elbow
- 3Follow the timed/structured technique (per product — commonly the first scrub ~3–5 min)
- 4Dry with a sterile towel, hands first then towards the elbow
Gown & glove
- 1Don the sterile gown without touching the outside
- 2Use the closed-glove technique; keep hands within the cuffs until gloved
OSCE tips
- Keep hands above elbows throughout — the classic marked point.
- Never touch a non-sterile surface once scrubbed; if in doubt, re-scrub.
- Closed-glove technique.
Read
Sources & credits
Authored to UK finals standard and verified against UK guidance (NICE · BNF · Resuscitation Council UK · BTS) and Geeky Medics OSCE guides . Southampton teaching materials © University of Southampton. Always follow current local policy.