What is an incise drape and when might it be used?

• A. A sterile drape with an adhesive barrier around the incision; used to further reduce contamination of the incision in certain procedures.
• B. A transparent cover placed over the entire patient.
• C. A drape used only for ophthalmic surgery.
• D. A non-sterile drape placed after incision.

Answer: (A)

An incise drape is a sterile drape with an adhesive barrier placed around the planned incision. The adhesive border creates a seal between the incision area and the surrounding skin, helping to keep skin flora away from the wound and reduce contamination during the procedure. It's used in surgeries where extra protection of the incision is desirable, such as longer or higher-risk operations, to further limit the chance of wound contamination. It’s not simply a full-body transparent cover, not limited to ophthalmic surgery, and it is a sterile option. Some incise drapes may be antimicrobial, but the key feature is the adhesive barrier around the incision.