Hair removal before surgery should be performed how?

• A. Hair removal with razors is preferred.
• B. Hair removal only when necessary with clippers.
• C. Hair removal is never allowed.
• D. Hair removal should be done with any sharp instrument.

Answer: (B)

The aim is to remove hair only if it’s necessary for sterility and visualization, while minimizing skin injury. When hair removal is needed, use clippers to remove hair close to the skin without causing cuts or microabrasions. Shaving with a razor can create tiny skin breaks that harbor bacteria and raise the risk of surgical site infection, and other sharp instruments also increase skin trauma. So the best practice is to remove hair only if necessary and to do so with clippers, right before or in the operating room, to keep the surgical field clean and reduce infection risk.