Draping Technique for the Small Animal Patient
Four Corner Draping:
The function of draping is to separate the sterile surgical site from contaminated areas of the patient.
Unfolding the Drape
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The drape is unfolded and an edge folded under towards the patient. |
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Wrap the corners of the drape around hands. | |
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Placement of Drapes:
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The drape should be floated above the patient and placed in the appropriate position (i.e. do not drag the sterile drape along the patient's contaminated body). |
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When applying the drapes make sure the sterile drape is in between the surgeon's sterile gown and the unsterile (undraped) surgical table. | |
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The drape should only be adjusted minimally once it has been laid onto the patient. If the drape needs to be adjusted it should only be moved in a direction AWAY from the sterile surgical site and NEVER towards the sterile site. | |
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Securing the Drapes:
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Drapes are secured to each other and to the patient's skin with Backhaus towel clamps. |
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The towel clamps are tucked underneath the drapes, making sure that they are not lying on the patient's skin. | |
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