a. The scrub and the circulator should talk as little as possible throughout a surgical procedure in order to help promote sterile conditions.

Droplets expelled from the mouth during conversation may contain pathogenic microorganisms. Masks should be changed as often as necessary. Do not allow a mask to become wet.

b. Once the patient has been brought into the operating room, quiet should be maintained to avoid frightening or exciting him. The maintenance of quiet is of particular importance when the patient has been given spinal or local anesthesia and is awake during a procedure. Team members should avoid any mention of such things as knives, blood, and the like. In addition, there should be no discussion of the diagnosis or the condition of any patient.