Sponge, Sharp and Instrument Counts

The practice of sponge, sharp and instrument counts can lessen the potential for injury to patients as a result of a retained foreign body and promote optimal perioperative patient outcomes.

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses recommends these practices should be followed:

* sponges should be counted on all procedures in which a sponge could possibly be retained
* sharps and other miscellaneous items should be counted on all procedures
* instruments should be counted for all procedures in which an instrument could be retained

The counts should be performed: before the procedure to establish a baseline, before closure of a cavity, before a wound closure begins, at skin closure or end of procedure and at the time of permanent relief of either the scrub person or the circulating nurse.