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
The drape is unfolded and an edge folded under towards the patient.
Wrap the corners of the drape around hands.
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Placement of Drapes:
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).
When applying the drapes make sure the sterile drape is in between the surgeon's sterile gown and the unsterile (undraped) surgical table.
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:
Drapes are secured to each other and to the patient's skin with Backhaus towel clamps.
The towel clamps are tucked underneath the drapes, making sure that they are not lying on the patient's skin.
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The drape is unfolded and an edge folded under towards the patient.
