The scrub person is a patient care staff member of the sterile team. The role may be filled by an RN,LPN/LVN, or an ST. the team scrub person in used throughout this text to designate this role and to elaborate on the specific technical and behavioral function of the individual performing in the sterile team in this capacity.
The scrub person should not simultaneously function the role of first or second assistant. Performing additional tasks takes the scrub person’ attention away from the primary responsibilities. Holding retractors, for example, can cause permanent injury to patient if inappropriately positioned, maintained in alignment, or placed in contact with electrocautery inadvertently.