Surgical Drapes - Maintaining Sterility in Surgical Environments

Surgical drapes are sterile coverings used to create a barrier between the surgical field and non-sterile surfaces to maintain aseptic conditions.

surgical drapes FAQ

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What are surgical drapes used for?

Surgical drapes are used to prevent contamination of suture material and to maintain a sterile field at the surgical site. Drapes are placed on the animal once it is prepared and positioned on the surgical platform. There are three types of draping materials: cloth reusable drapes, paper disposable drapes, and disposable plastic adhesive drapes.

Why are sterile surgical drapes used during surgery?

1. Introduction Sterile surgical drapes are used during surgery to prevent contact with unprepared surfaces and to maintain the sterility of environmental surfaces, equipment and the patient’s surroundings.

What is draping in surgery?

The procedure of covering a patient and surrounding areas with a sterile barrier to create and maintain a sterile field during a surgical procedure is called draping. The purpose of draping is to eliminate the passage of microorganisms between nonsterile and sterile areas. Draping materials may be disposable or nondisposable.

What is a draped patient used for?

Drapes are also placed in the surgical field around the incision site to cover the patient and to collect fluids. They also can be used to wrap sterile surgical instruments and to cover equipment in the surgical suite. Figure 89-4 The surgical team at work on a draped patient. George A. Vogler, in The Laboratory Rat (Second Edition), 2006 d.

What are barrier ® - single-use surgical drapes?

Reduce the risk of surgical site infections with BARRIER ® - single-use surgical drapes. BARRIER drapes help to prevent microorganisms moving from the patient’s skin in surgical procedures. Impermeable materials act as a barrier to infection, while effective fluid control allows for a drier working area.

What is a single use surgical drape?

Single-Use Surgical Drapes: Single-use surgical drapes, also known as disposable drapes, are designed for one-time use during a surgical procedure. They are made from materials that are resistant to liquid penetration and provide a barrier against microorganisms.

What are the standards of practice related to surgical drapes?

The following are Standards of Practice related to surgical drapes. The primary purpose of draping the surgical patient is to isolate the surgical site from the other areas of the patient’s body and nonsterile areas of the OR table in order to contribute to reducing the risk of surgical site infection (SSI).