How to Fold Surgical Drapes

Properly folding surgical drapes is a fundamental skill in any clinical setting. While disposable drapes are prevalent, understanding the correct technique for reusable surgical drapes is crucial for maintaining sterility, ensuring efficient storage, and facilitating a smooth unfolding process in the operating room. A correctly folded surgical drape saves valuable time and minimizes the risk of contamination.

Here is a simple, effective method for folding a standard rectangular surgical drape:

Step 1: Preparation
Start on a clean, dry, and flat surface. Ensure your hands are clean. Inspect the drape for any tears or stains.

Step 2: First Fold
Lay the drape flat. Bring the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, carefully aligning the corners. You now have a long, horizontal rectangle.

Step 3: Second Fold
Fold the drape in half again, this time from left to right. This creates a smaller, more manageable square or rectangle.

Step 4: Final Roll or Fold
For easier handling, tightly roll the folded drape from one end to the other. Alternatively, you can make one more fold to achieve the desired size for your surgical pack. The goal is a compact, neat package that can be unfolded gracefully without touching the inner, sterile surfaces.

Why It Matters

Mastering this simple procedure ensures that when the surgical drape is presented on the sterile field, it can be opened efficiently and aseptically. This attention to detail upholds the highest standards of patient safety and operating room protocol, whether you are handling reusable or disposable drapes. Consistent, proper folding is a small but vital part of a successful surgical outcome.successful surgical outcome.