Shaving hair (e.g., preoperatively, for vascular access device insertion or electrode application) can result in microscopic cuts and abrasions to the underlying skin surface. According to World Health Organization guidelines, hair should not be removed unless it interferes with a surgical procedure. The use of razors (shaving) prior to surgery increases incidents of wound infection when compared to clipping, depilatory use or the non-removal of hair. If hair must be removed, clipper use is sufficient for any body part (razor use is not appropriate for any operative site). Clippers should be used as close to the time of surgery as possible. To facilitate better contact for electrodes or vascular access device dressings, disposable (or cleaned and disinfected reusable-head) surgical clippers should be used.
Sources:
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Anderson DJ, et al. Strategies to prevent surgical site infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2014 Jun;35(6):605-27. PMID: 24799638.
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. Guidelines for Perioperative Practice [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2017 Sep 25].
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Infusion Nurses Society. Infusion therapy standards of practice (standard 33) [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2017 Sep 27].
Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada. The ORNAC Standards, Guidelines, and Position Statements for Perioperative Registered Nursing Practice, 13th edition [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2019 Jul 25].