title: Is it time for brushless scrubbing with an alcohol-based agent?
abstract: The practice of surgical scrubbing in perioperative settings is changing rapidly. This article presents information about eliminating the traditional scrub brush technique and using an alcohol formulation for surgical hand scrubs. Also covered are antimicrobial agents, relevant US Food and Drug Administration classifications, skin and fingernail care, and implementation of changes. The article challenges surgical team members to evaluate a new and different approach to surgical hand scrubbing.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Gruendemann
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Bjerke
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000266:history / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000266:history / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000266:history; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D013523:Surgical Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local