The specific details are as follows:

When using a surgical scrub brush, it is necessary to pay attention to the relevant precautions in three stages: before use, during use, and after use to ensure the safety and effectiveness of its use. The specific details are as follows:

Before Use

• Select an Appropriate Scrub Brush: Select a scrub brush with a suitable size, material, and bristle hardness according to the type and location of the surgery, as well as the patient’s skin condition. For example, delicate ophthalmic surgeries may require a scrub brush with a smaller brush head and soft bristles, while orthopedic surgeries may need a scrub brush with a larger brush head and relatively stiffer bristles to clean a larger and dirtier surgical area.
• Inspect the Quality of the Scrub Brush: Carefully check whether the scrub brush is damaged, deformed, or has loose bristles. If there are any quality issues, replace it immediately to prevent the bristles from falling into the surgical area during use, which may lead to infections or other complications. At the same time, ensure that the packaging of the scrub brush is intact, undamaged, and not contaminated.
• Perform Disinfection Treatment: The surgical scrub brush must undergo strict disinfection and sterilization treatment. According to the material of the scrub brush and the requirements of the instruction manual, select an appropriate disinfection method, such as autoclaving under high temperature and pressure or soaking in a chemical disinfectant. After disinfection, the scrub brush should be placed in a sterile container for standby and used within the specified time. If the effective time is exceeded, it needs to be disinfected again.

During Use

• Proper Way of Holding the Brush: Medical staff should master the correct way of holding the brush. Generally, hold the handle of the brush with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, and keep the bristles at an appropriate angle, usually about 45 degrees, to the skin surface to ensure effective cleaning without damaging the skin.
• Control the Force and Frequency: When using the scrub brush, pay attention to controlling the force and scrubbing frequency. Excessive force can cause skin damage to the patient and increase the risk of infection; insufficient force may not achieve the cleaning effect. The scrubbing frequency should also be moderate. Follow the standardized operation procedure and scrub at a uniform speed to avoid excessive scrubbing in a local area.
• Adhere to the Principles of Aseptic Operation: The entire use process must strictly adhere to the principles of aseptic operation to prevent the scrub brush from coming into contact with non-sterile areas or items. For example, if the scrub brush accidentally touches other non-sterile items during the scrubbing process, replace the scrub brush immediately or perform disinfection treatment again.
• Avoid Cross-Infection: One scrub brush should only be used for one patient. It is strictly prohibited to use it across different patients to prevent the spread of pathogens among patients. For patients with special infections, use a dedicated scrub brush and operate and disinfect according to the treatment procedures for special infections.

After Use

• Clean in a Timely Manner: After the operation is completed, clean the blood, tissue fluid, dirt, and other substances on the scrub brush as soon as possible to prevent them from drying and adhering to the bristles and the handle, which may affect the next use and the cleaning effect. When cleaning, use running water and special cleaning tools to ensure that the inside of the bristles and the gaps of the handle are thoroughly cleaned.
• Store After Drying: After cleaning, dry the scrub brush. It can be air-dried naturally or using drying equipment, but pay attention to avoid storing it in a humid environment to prevent the growth of bacteria. After drying, place the scrub brush in a designated clean, dry, and ventilated container or cabinet for storage for future use.
• Regular Maintenance and Replacement: Regularly inspect and maintain the scrub brush. If the bristles are worn, deformed, hardened, or the handle is damaged, replace it in a timely manner. At the same time, according to the hospital’s infection control regulations and equipment management requirements, replace the scrub brush regularly to ensure its performance and safety.