CMHS -Prevention of Retained Surgical Items

Sponges are separated and counted individually.

Sterile field is kept organized to identify location(s) of counted items.

Count is initiated in a timely manner: prior to incision at start of case.

Count is initiated in a timely manner: when wound closure begins.

Count is initiated in a timely manner: when skin closure begins -prior to dressing or skin adhesive.

Instrument counts are completed as appropriate (with open abdominal or thoracic wounds).

The dry erase count board is referred to during case and/or during counts.

If count is interrupted, the count is resumed, re-counting the item currently being counted.

Items are counted with circulator and scrub participating visually and verbally.

Hand off report to relief scrub includes a full count of all available items.

Counts are completed starting at field, then to mayo stand, to back table, and off field.

Sharps are placed on needle magnet or into foam needle mat for counting without additional handling to avoid injury.

Scrub person speaks up when a discrepancy exists.