VICTORIA GENERAL HOSPITAL--CAPITAL HEALTH REGION

POLICY & PROCEDURE;   NEUTRAL ZONE


Definition:  Designated area where sharps are passed from scrub nurse to surgeon and back from surgeon to scrub nurse
Principles:

1. No direct hand to hadn transfer of sharps.
2. Neutral zone should be easily accessible to both scrub nurse and surgeon.
3. Only one person can access the neutral zone at a time.
4. Only one item should be in the neutral zone at a time.

Procedure
1.  Scrub nurses and surgeon determine the location of the neutral zone to commencing surgery.  (In most cases the neutral zone is located between the scrub nurse and the surgeon but in unusual circumstances a more appropriate location may be chosen)
2.  The scrub nurse places the sharp in the he neutral zone. ( sharps include scalpels, sharp retractors , needles on needle drivers, injection needles)
3.  The surgeon picks up the sharp from the neutral zone.
4.  The surgeon returns the sharp to the neutral zone
5.  The scrub nurse retrieves the sharp from the neutral zone
6.  In the rare circumstances where it is no possible to utilize a neutral zone, sharps will be transferred to the other person with the dull/safe side leading.