When is hair removed from the surgical site?

When is hair removed from the surgical site?

• A. When it is ordered by the surgeon
• B. When it will interfere with the procedure
• C. When the patient has excess hair
• D. When the patient is a high risk for surgical site infection

Answer: (A)

Hair removal is done only when the surgeon orders it, because the decision depends on the specific operation and how hair would affect the sterile field and visualization. This isn’t something done automatically; removing hair carries a risk of skin trauma and infection if not truly needed, so the surgeon’s directive guides whether and when it happens. If hair must be removed, it’s done with sterile technique and as close to the time of incision as possible to minimize risk, typically using clippers rather than a razor.

Hair removal is done only when the surgeon orders it, because the decision depends on the specific operation and how hair would affect the sterile field and visualization. This isn’t something done automatically; removing hair carries a risk of skin trauma and infection if not truly needed, so the surgeon’s directive guides whether and when it happens. If hair must be removed, it’s done with sterile technique and as close to the time of incision as possible to minimize risk, typically using clippers rather than a razor.