Working closely with patients during invasive procedures puts scrub techs at risk for exposure to bodily fluids, radiation, and other biohazards. Proper protective equipment is essential for maintaining scrub tech safety.
Here’s a quick look at five types of protective equipment that help scrub technicians handle bio-hazard risks safely and effectively.
Cut-Resistant Gloves
Sharp surgical instruments pose the danger of potential cuts and puncture wounds during procedures. Kevlar or fiber-reinforced gloves provide extra cut-resistant protection for scrub tech’s hands. They also guard against needlestick injuries during suturing or when handling contaminated sharps.
Face Masks
Surgical masks create a barrier against splashes or sprays of blood and other fluids. N95 respirators filter out airborne particles that may carry viruses and bacteria. Proper respiratory protection is critical, especially when dealing with patients who may have infectious diseases. Wearing the fitting masks is essential for scrub tech safety.
Eye-wear
Safety goggles, glasses, and face shields guard eyes against debris, fluid splatter, and laser burns. Some eyewear offers anti-fog and scratch-resistant features tailored for the OR environment. Protecting vision is imperative for scrub techs to assist effectively.
Radiation Protection
Lead aprons, thyroid collars, and glasses help shield scrub techs from scattered radiation during fluoroscopy, X-rays, and other imaging procedures. This protects against the stochastic effects of ionizing radiation exposure over time.
Fluid-Repellent Gowns
Disposable, impermeable gowns serve as the first defense against potentially infectious fluids. Fluid-repellent fabrics prevent fluid absorption and penetration into clothing or skin. Proper gowns are essential for contamination control and scrubtech safety.
Remaining vigilant about proper protective gear improves scrub tech safety in managing daily biohazard risks. Facilities should provide ample, well-fitted, comfortable protective equipment and training on its fair use.
Investing in quality protective equipment for surgical staff reinforces a culture of safety. Educating scrub techs on utilizing gear correctly ensures maximum protection during procedures. Reach out to Sharp Fluidics today and experience the future of scrub tech safety.
