Initial Count: Before the surgery begins, the nursing staff counts all instruments and materials to establish a baseline. Intraoperative Counts: During the surgery, counts are performed at predetermined stages, such as before closing a cavity, to ensure nothing is left inside the patient. Final Count: At the end of the procedure, a final count is conducted to confirm that all items are accounted for.
If there is a discrepancy at any stage, the team must resolve it before proceeding.
