Pre-Operative Hygiene Pre operative hygiene is an important factor for the success of a surgery or procedure. The Health care staff will ensure prevention of infections. You as a patient or an attendant to the patient must take care of the following:

1. Commence by thoroughly wetting your face and body
2. Use octinidine shampoo for the head and face. (NOT chlorhexidine 4%)
3. Using a sponge to apply antiseptic solution, and working downwards, wash your armpits/axilla and belly button thoroughly. Keep on the wash solution for at least 5 minutes
4. Wash very well around the genital and anal region. It is especially important for a man to wash well around the penis and under the scrotum. Equal care and attention is needed for the skin folds of the vulvain women.
5. Working downwards cover the groin and buttocks and identified surgical site. It is important that the entire body surface is washed, but these areas identified, require special attention.
6. After washing all these important areas, carefully and thoroughly rinse your body well with water.
7. Finally, Wipe your body and using a freshly laundered dry towel, dry yourself thoroughly. Clean clothes should then be worn.