Table 1.

Intraoperative Count Protocol

Intraoperative Instrument Count Protocol
1. Any item that has the potential for being retained in a surgical wound must be recorded on the count communication when placed in the surgical wound.
2. The RN and surgical tech should evaluate each case for items with the potential to be retained and use the count communication board to record any variable, high risk or miscellaneous counted item that needs special attention during the count process.
3. The surgical count must be conducted by two staff members, one of whom must be an RN, who concurrently view each item as it is counted.
4. All sponges must be bagged at the end of the case for better visualization during the final count.
5. If the counts are not correct, an intraoperative X-ray is ordered.
6. An intraoperative X-ray will be performed on all patients with a BMI of 50 or greater after fascia closing in abdominal procedures. Counts will still be performed on all of these cases even though an X-ray will be obtained.