Prepare and dress for scrubbed clinical roles

URN: SFHPCS13
Business Sectors (Suites): Perioperative Care Support
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved: 2026

Overview

This standard covers preparing and dressing correctly to undertake a ‘scrubbed’ role within the perioperative team.

All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards relevant to perioperative practice

Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information

P2. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace

P3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved

P4. wash and dry your hands and arms effectively in accordance with organisational policies and protocols

P5. select and put on all relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with organisational procedure

P6. remove and dispose of all used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a way which minimises the risk of cross-infection


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere

K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role

K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information

K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability

K5. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these

K6. the correct selection and use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others

K7. the importance of, and techniques for:
        a. washing and drying hands and arms in preparation for the scrubbed role
        b. selecting and putting on suitable size sterile gown and gloves
        c. removal and disposal of used, soiled and damaged personal protective clothing, both re-usable and single use

K8. factors which affect the choice of clothing for different procedures

K9. requirements for use and maintenance of protective equipment when working with risks associated with lasers, radiation, chemicals and body fluids

K10. how the correct use of personal protective equipment for the scrubbed role contributes to maintenance of the sterile field

K11. your responsibility to ensure that the relevant practitioner assisting you to prepare and dress in relevant PPE does not compromise sterility of the items.


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2031

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Health

Original URN

SFHPCS13

Relevant Occupations

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Perioperative, care, prepare, scrubbed, clinical