Should finger rings be removed prior to scrubbing for theatre?
Finger rings increase surface bacterial counts. Although scrubbing reduces these (P=0.05), there are more bacteria under rings than on adjacent skin or the opposite hand. If rings are removed before scrubbing, bacterial counts are reduced but remain higher than on adjacent skin or the opposite hand. Ideally, finger rings should not be worn by theatre staff. However, if they are, they should be removed prior to scrubbing for surgical operations.
Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol, UK.
N K R
NK
Kelsall
R K L
RK
Griggs
K E
KE
Bowker
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GC
Bannister
D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005385:Fingers / Q000382:microbiology*; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009872:Operating Room Technicians
D004202:Disinfectants; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine