A surgical cap acts as a physical barrier designed to contain hair and scalp particles, serving a fundamental purpose in infection control within sensitive environments. The cap prevents loose hair, skin flakes, and microorganisms naturally present on the scalp from contaminating sterile fields or surfaces. Proper wear is a procedural requirement for maintaining a clean environment and ensuring safety for both the wearer and others. The correct use of this headwear minimizes the risk of introducing foreign particles into areas where hygiene is paramount, such as operating rooms or compounding pharmacies.
Selecting the Appropriate Cap Style
The choice of surgical cap depends primarily on the volume and length of the wearer’s hair, as well as the specific requirements of the work environment. For individuals with long, thick, or voluminous hair, the bouffant cap is generally recommended because its gathered, rounded shape provides comprehensive coverage. This style is designed to fully contain all hair, including the nape of the neck and sideburns, ensuring no strands can escape the barrier.
For those with short hair, a skull cap, often featuring a tie-back design, offers a more fitted and secure option. While historically popular among surgeons, some studies suggest that the material and construction of certain skull caps may offer varying levels of particle containment compared to bouffant styles, depending on the material’s permeability. Beyond style, facilities must decide between disposable caps, which offer convenience and guaranteed single-use sterility, and reusable cloth caps, which can be laundered and may offer a thicker, less permeable barrier against microscopic particle shedding.
Proper Technique for Putting on the Cap
The process of donning the cap begins with meticulous hand hygiene to prevent transferring contaminants to the cap. If the hair is long, it must first be pulled back into a bun or a tight ponytail low on the neck to facilitate complete containment. This step prevents the bulk of the hair from interfering with the cap’s ability to cover the entire scalp area.
The cap should be grasped by the edges or the elastic band to avoid touching the inner surface, which will rest against the head. It is then placed on the head, with the front edge situated low on the forehead, typically just above the eyebrows. The cap must be pulled down to cover all peripheral hair, including the sideburns and any hair at the nape of the neck.
The elastic band or ties must be adjusted to ensure a snug fit that is secure but still comfortable enough for extended wear. A properly worn cap will completely cover all hair and the scalp, without any loose strands protruding or the cap shifting during movement. For tie-back caps, the strings are secured at the back of the head, ensuring the fit maintains full coverage over the ears and hairline.
Safe Removal and Handling
Removing the cap, or doffing, must be executed carefully to prevent self-contamination from the exposed outer surface. The exterior of the cap is considered contaminated, having served its purpose as a barrier against particles and environmental microbes. The wearer must avoid touching the soiled front or sides of the cap.
The cap should be removed by grasping the elastic band or the ties at the back of the head. It is then pulled away and rolled inward, turning the contaminated outer surface to the inside. Disposable caps must be immediately discarded into a designated waste receptacle. Reusable cloth caps are placed in a specific laundry bin for reprocessing, and hand hygiene must be performed immediately afterward.
Containment
The necessity of wearing a surgical cap stems from the biological reality of human shedding. The scalp and hair naturally host microorganisms and constantly shed microscopic particles, including dead skin cells and hair fragments. These particles, which can carry bacteria, pose a contamination risk in environments requiring high levels of cleanliness.
Even seemingly clean hair collects environmental dust, oils, and various microorganisms. A cap provides a reliable physical shield, preventing the dispersal of these particles into the immediate environment or onto a sterile working area. By ensuring complete coverage, the cap significantly lowers the chance of transmitting microbes and maintains the integrity of the sterile field.