Which area is considered contaminated when evaluating a patient's skin for preoperative prep?

The draining sinus is considered a contaminated area when evaluating a patient's skin for preoperative preparation. This is because a draining sinus typically indicates an active infection or pathological process that can introduce harmful microorganisms into the surgical site. Preoperative preparation aims to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into the surgical wound, and areas around draining sinuses can harbor infectious agents that compromise sterile techniques during surgery.

In contrast, while areas like the groin, toes, and body hair may require attention during the preoperative prep, they are not automatically classified as contaminated in the same manner as a draining sinus. The groin and toes can be cleaned and treated as part of the surgical scrub, and body hair may be managed depending on the surgical procedure, but these areas do not inherently suggest the presence of infection as a draining sinus does. Therefore, during preoperative assessment, the presence of a draining sinus highlights a significant risk factor for potential infection, making it a primary concern when preparing for surgical procedures.