Draping is the sterile technique of covering the patient and surrounding areas with sterile drapes to establish a sterile surgical field and prevent contamination during a procedure.
🎯 Objectives
Isolate the surgical site from non-sterile areas
Minimize the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs)
Provide a clear, sterile working field for the surgical team
🧪 Key Features
Uses sterile drapes, made of cloth or disposable materials
Drapes are fluid-resistant or absorbent, depending on type
Applied after skin antisepsis and once the area is completely dry
🛠️ Draping Procedure
Confirm skin antiseptic is dry (especially alcohol-based)
Use sterile gloves and instruments
Begin draping from the incision site outward
Cover all adjacent non-sterile surfaces
Avoid shifting drapes once placed
🧠 Draping in Neurosurgery
Requires precise exposure of cranium or spine
Specialized fenestrated drapes often used
Draping must allow for microscope or neuronavigation access
⚠️ Precautions
Wet antiseptic under drapes can cause chemical burns
A breach in drape integrity = break in sterility
Drapes must not be reused or repositioned once contaminated