Tag: Nail polish

During anesthesia, a pulse oximeter is used to monitor blood oxygen levels, and nail polish, particularly darker colors, can significantly interfere with the device's accuracy. This is the primary reason for the strict instruction to remove nail polish before surgery, as failing to do so can have serious safety implications.

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, removing nail polish and artificial nails is a standard safety measure before any surgical procedure, but the exact reasons are often a mystery to patients. For many facing an operation, understanding **why can't my nails be done for surgery** is a key part of preparing for their medical journey.

Medical professionals rely on a variety of cues, including the color of your nail beds, to monitor your health during surgery. This is the primary reason why they don't want you to wear nail polish during surgery, as it can obstruct critical visual and technological assessments.

Every year, millions of surgeries are performed, and patient safety is the top priority. This is why a seemingly small detail like wearing nail polish matters significantly during medical procedures. So, **will they cancel surgery if I have nail polish on**? Understanding the medical reasons behind the requirement to remove it can help ensure your procedure goes smoothly and safely.

According to professional guidelines from organizations like the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), maintaining sterile fields in an operating room is non-negotiable. This means strict rules govern personal hygiene. This raises the question: **can you wear nail polish as a surgical tech?** The short answer is no, and the reasons are critical for patient safety.

One study found that a variety of different bacteria and fungi can live under fingernails, creating a significant infection risk. This critical evidence is the fundamental reason **why can't nurses have nails** in patient care settings and is the basis for strict hand hygiene policies worldwide.