Wipe skin with clean moist 4x4 gauze sponge to remove all hair and debris. Hair is removed in order reduce contamination of the surgical site by bacteria on the patient's skin and in the patient's hair follicles. Shaving is a less acceptable method of removing hair because shaving damages the skin to a greater degree than clipping. Any method of hair removal damages the patient's skin.
Inflammation increases the risk of bacterial colonization.
In order to reduce this risk, hair is removed immediately prior to surgery . For orthopedic procedures on long bones, the entire limb must be clipped to dorsal midline. Wounds within the surgical site must be coated with a water soluble jelly so that they do not collect hair and debris during the process of clipping. Using foam side of brush, apply mixture to entire clipped area. Collect and remove any loose hairs and debris.