Faculty Collaboration Database

Perioperative hair removal in the 21st century: Utilizing an innovative vacuum-assisted technology to safely expedite hair removal before surgery. Am J Infect Control 2016 Dec 01;44(12):1639-1644

Date

07/05/2016

Pubmed ID

27375061

DOI

10.1016/j.ajic.2016.03.071

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84978536189 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   8 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hair removal using clippers requires lengthy cleanup to remove loose hairs contaminating the operative field. We compared the amount of hair debris and associated microbiologic contamination produced during clipping of surgical sites using standard surgical clippers (SSC) or clippers fitted with a vacuum-assisted hair collection device (SCVAD).

METHODS: Trained nurses conducted bilateral hair clipping of the chest and groin of 18 male subjects using SSC or SCVAD. Before and during clipping, measurements of particulate matter and bacterial contamination were evaluated on settling plates placed next to each subject's chest and groin. Skin condition after clipping and total clipping/cleanup times were compared between SSC and SCVAD.

RESULTS: The microbial burden recovered from residual hair during cleanup in the SSC group was 3.9 log₁₀ CFU and 4.6 log₁₀ CFU from respective, chest, and groin areas. Use of the SCVAD resulted in a significant (P < .001) reduction in both residual hair and microbial contamination within the operative field compared with SSC.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of SCVAD resulted in significant (P < .001) reduction in total time required to clip and clean up residual hair contaminating the operative field compared with standard practice (ie, SSC), eliminating the need to physically remove dispersed hairs, which can harbor a significant microbial burden, from within the operative field.

Author List

Edmiston CE Jr, Griggs RK, Tanner J, Spencer M, Seabrook GR, Leaper D

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Hair Removal
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pilot Projects
Preoperative Care
Vacuum
Young Adult