User's Manual

Chapter 3: Preparing for a New Case 3-5
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Setting Up for Surgery
With the system in position, and the SmartTag placed between the sheets on the OR table, you are ready to
prepare the sponges and other supplies necessary for surgery. ClearCount sponges must be used with the
SmartSponge Flex. These may either be packs of ClearCount sterile sponges, or ClearCount sponges supplied
in sterile surgical kits. The procedure for using one type versus the other is slightly different, as noted below.
Using Pre-Packaged Sterile Surgical Kits
Step 1 Locate and open the surgical kit. Using sterile technique, locate the following components:
• System Cover
• Wand Cover - this should be set aside within the sterile field in case the patient is scanned for
sponges with the SmartWand.
• Surgical sponges and towels - these will be contained within a paper band. Banded sponges
should be scanned in one bundle at a time. Do not remove the band until the bundle has been
scanned in.
Step 2 Move the system adjacent to the sterile field.
Step 3 Using aseptic technique, cover the entire system with the System Cover. Make sure the entire
system is completely covered. Proceed to scan sponges and towels into the surgical case.
Step 4 After the sponges and towels have been scanned in, the system can be placed in the desired
mode and location for continuing the case.
Using Individual Sterile Sponge Packs
Step 1 Locate the following items:
• Initial sponges and towels that will be used in the surgical case
• System Cover
• Pre-packaged sterile wand cover - this will be used if the patient is scanned with the SmartWand.
Step 2 Drape the System Cover over the SmartSponge Flex.
Step 3 Scan in sponges and towels while still in their sterile packaging.
Step 4 Continue by placing the system in the desired mode for continuing the case.
Notes
• If a bundle of sponges within the surgical kit is damaged or unable to be
scanned into the surgical case, replace that bundle with a pack of sterile
ClearCount sponges.