In a cath lab, personnel wear specific attire to maintain a sterile environment, ensure patient safety, and protect themselves from exposure to bodily fluids and radiation. This typically includes a combination of general medical wear and specialized sterile garments for procedures.
General Attire: Scrubs
For daily activities and non-sterile areas within the cath lab, healthcare professionals typically wear medical scrubs. Scrubs are designed for comfort, ease of movement, and are often made from durable, washable fabrics to meet hygiene standards. These are usually provided by the hospital or facility and are changed daily to prevent the spread of infections.
Sterile Attire for Procedures
During interventional procedures in the cath lab, maintaining a sterile field is paramount to prevent infections. For this reason, specific sterile attire is donned over regular scrubs. This attire serves as a crucial barrier between the medical team, the patient, and the instruments.
The use of sterile attire is strongly recommended during procedures, especially for critical steps like the insertion of catheters and guide wires, and during wire and catheter exchanges, to protect both the patient and the operators.
Here's a breakdown of the essential components of sterile cath lab attire:
| Item | Purpose/Function | When Worn |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Cap | Designed to contain hair and prevent loose hair or scalp debris from falling into the sterile field, thereby minimizing contamination risk. | Donned before entering the sterile procedural area for all interventional cases. |
| Surgical Mask | Covers the mouth and nose to filter exhaled droplets, preventing respiratory pathogens from reaching the sterile environment or the patient's open wound. | Worn throughout the sterile procedure to maintain an aseptic field. |
| Eye Protection | Goggles, safety glasses, or a full face shield provide a barrier against splashes of blood, bodily fluids, and other particulate matter, protecting the eyes from potential exposure. | Essential for all personnel involved in procedures where there's a risk of splashes or aerosols. |
| Sterile Gown | A long, sterile gown made of fluid-resistant material that creates a barrier, preventing the transfer of microorganisms between the wearer and the sterile field or patient. | Worn by the primary operator and assisting staff who will be in close proximity to the sterile field and patient. |
| Sterile Gloves | Worn over the hands, these provide a sterile barrier for direct contact with the patient's skin and sterile instruments, ensuring aseptic technique throughout the procedure. | Donned immediately before handling sterile instruments or touching the patient's access site. |
In addition to the above, lead aprons and sometimes thyroid shields are worn underneath or over the scrubs for radiation protection during fluoroscopy, which is commonly used in cath lab procedures. These protective garments are crucial for the long-term safety of the medical staff.
