Operating Room Count Verification Checklist
Comprehensive surgical count verification including initial, final, and relief counts for sponges, sharps, and instruments to prevent retained surgical items.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every surgical case
- Estimated Time: Throughout procedure
- Role: Circulating Nurse/Scrub Tech
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: AORN Guidelines, Joint Commission NPSG, CMS CoP
Initial Count
Before incision
- Sponges counted and documented?
- Sharps counted and documented?
- Instruments counted and documented?
- Miscellaneous items counted?
Additional Items
During procedure
- Additional items added to count?
- Additions properly documented?
Closing Count
Before closure
- First closing count complete?
- Sponge count correct?
- Sharps count correct?
- Instrument count correct?
Final Count
Skin closure
- Final count complete?
- All counts correct?
- If discrepancy, protocol followed?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Medication Safety & Management
Verify medication handling and administration practices
- Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
- Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
- No expired medications in stock?
- High-alert medications properly labeled?
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Why Use This Operating Room Count Verification Checklist?
This operating room count verification checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for circulating nurse/scrub tech professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: every surgical case.
Ensures compliance with AORN Guidelines, Joint Commission NPSG, CMS CoP. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Operating Room Count Verification Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: Initial Count, Additional Items, Closing Count, Final Count, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every surgical case. Each completion takes approximately Throughout procedure.
Who should use this Operating Room Count Verification Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Circulating Nurse/Scrub Tech professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.