Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlMedium
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a surgical procedure that requires the removal of hair from the surgical site. Which of the following methods is considered best practice to minimize the risk of surgical site infection?
- AApplying depilatory cream the evening before the procedure
- BLeaving the hair intact unless it interferes with the incision
- CShaving with a disposable razor immediately before the procedure
- DClipping the hair with electric clippers just prior to the procedure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Clipping the hair with electric clippers just prior to the procedure
Clipping hair with electric clippers just prior to surgery is the recommended method as it reduces the risk of skin micro-abrasions that can harbor bacteria, unlike shaving with a razor. Depilatory creams may cause skin irritation, and leaving hair can sometimes increase infection risk.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Depilatory creams can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, which could compromise the skin barrier and increase infection risk.
- B. While hair removal isn't always necessary, if it is required, leaving it intact when it could interfere with the incision or dressing can increase infection risk.
- C. Shaving with a razor creates micro-abrasions on the skin, increasing the risk of bacterial colonization and surgical site infection.
Preoperative Hair Removal
To minimize surgical site infection, hair removal at the surgical site should be done using electric clippers immediately before the procedure, avoiding razors or depilatory creams.
- Clippers preferred over razors.
- Done just before surgery.
- Avoids skin irritation/micro-abrasions.
Memory trick: Clip Carefully, Cleanly Cut, Combat Contamination.