Surgical Light
Operating Light · OR Light · Overhead Light · Procedure Light · Portable Light · Spotlight
A large round or multi-lens lamp head hung from a ceiling arm that swings and tilts over the table. Most rooms have two heads. A handle in the center of each head takes a sterile handle or a sterile cover so the team can aim it. Portable floor-stand lights are used where there is no ceiling light.
- Class
- Equipment
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
Gives bright, focused light on the surgical field for every open case. It is positioned over the field before the case and aimed by the sterile team during the case. Cases done at the bedside or in delivery rooms may need a portable light or a headlight for good light on the wound or perineumpair-ih-NEE-umThe area of skin and muscle between the genitals and the anus.perine/o perineumFull entry .
Lengths and variants
Single or double heads, ceiling mounted or on a floor stand; some carry a video monitor arm. Newer lights use LEDs, which run cooler and save energy; older lights use halogen bulbs.
What experienced techs know
What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro
Through the case
In the order you meet it: before, during and after the case.
- Before the case
Inspection and testing
What to check before it reaches the field.Pro
- After the case
Care and reprocessing
How it is cleaned, checked and sent back to sterile.Pro
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3 sources
- AST. Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist. 4th ed. Chapter 5 (Physical Environment and Safety Standards), p. 78 and Chapter 10 (Instrumentation, Equipment, and Supplies), p. 278
- Fuller JK. Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Chapter 4 (Health Care Facility Structure and Environment), Lighting, p. 44
- somatechnology.com
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