1. Have a dedicated cleaning team.
2. Use disinfectants strictly according to indications.
3. Have a dedicated cleaning schedule.
4. It’s everyone’s job to help maintain a clean operating room.
5. Devote a separate set of cleaning supplies to each region of the hospital.
6. Safety is of critical importance.
7. Make a Checklist – Daily, Weekly Cleanings.  Making the list a part of the cleaning process ensures an orderly system of cleaning that minimizes the potential that a dirty surface will be neglected.
8. Minimize any exceptions to your protocol.
9. Never enter OR in your street clothes.
10. Minimize traffic in your surgical suite.

Other Safe Operating Room Tips Include:

• Know the common Patient Factors that contribute to Surgical Site Infection (SSI)
  • • Obesity
    • Poor nutrition
    • Recent surgery skin infections
    • Old age
    • Radiation

• Know the common Human Factors that Contribute to Surgical Site Infection (SSI)
  • • Proper antiseptic preparation of the hands and forearms
    • Every member of the team should wear caps
    • Every member of the team should wear masks
    • Every member of the team should wear disposable (or well- maintained cloth) gowns.Follow Halsted’s Principles (BADHAT) – Blood, Aseptic, Dead Space, Hemostasis, Apposition, Tissue Handling

• Each additional hour increases risk of surgical site infection (SSI) by 30%.

• Reduce the number of people whenever possible.

This article has been modified to better fit this format. The original article was posted on drcourtneydvm.com.

Learn more about KeraVet Bio Advisor, Dr. Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA, by visiting his page on LinkedIn.