OR Attire Standards

Clinical Objective

Standardize operating room attire to minimize particulate and microbial shedding from skin, hair, and personal clothing into the surgical field and air.

Why This Matters

Personnel are a continuous source of skin squamous cells and bacteria. OR-specific attire creates a barrier that limits how much of that load reaches the field.

Critical Control Points

• Hair fully covered before entering the OR

• Mask covers nose and mouth completely

• OR scrubs are clean and dedicated to the OR area

• No personal clothing visible at neck, sleeves, or waistband

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. 1

   Don clean OR scrubs upon entering the surgical suite — change between cases when soiled.

2. 2

   Cover all hair, including beards, with a fitted cap or hood.

3. 3

   Apply a fluid-resistant surgical mask over nose and mouth before entering the sterile zone.

4. 4

   Remove jewelry, including watches and rings, before scrub.

5. 5

   Avoid bringing personal items, lanyards, or pens into the OR sterile zone.

6. 6

   Replace mask and head cover between cases.

Key Pitfalls

• Wearing OR scrubs outside the surgical suite, then returning — outside contamination is reintroduced.

• Loose-fitting masks that gap at the bridge of the nose.

• Neck chains, dangling hair, or visible undershirts not covered by scrubs.