OR Turnover Inspection

Operating room between-case turnover inspection. Verifies environmental cleaning, instrument readiness, and equipment for next case per AORN guidelines.

Inspection Details

• Operating room identifier recorded
  Document the room number or OR suite identifier being inspected.
• Case turnover inspection time recorded
  Record the date and time the turnover inspection was completed.
• Inspector role identified
  Select the role of the person completing the inspection.
• Next case readiness confirmed with surgical team
  Confirm the room was reviewed and cleared for the next scheduled case.

Environmental Cleaning

• All visible soil, debris, and waste removed from room surfaces and floor
  Verify the room is free of visible contamination before the next case.
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected
  Check that bed rails, OR table surfaces, anesthesia surfaces, door handles, light handles, and other high-touch points were cleaned per facility protocol.
• Floor free of spills, sharps, and trip hazards
  Confirm the floor is dry, unobstructed, and safe for staff movement.
• Waste containers emptied or replaced as required
  Verify regulated waste, general waste, and linen receptacles are managed per facility turnover procedure.
• Linen removed and clean linen stocked appropriately
  Confirm used linen has been removed and clean linen is available for the next case.
• Room surfaces dry and ready for patient entry
  Verify no wet disinfectant residue or standing moisture remains on patient-contact or work surfaces.

Instrument and Supply Readiness

• Required instrument set present and correct
  Confirm the instrument tray or set matches the next case preference card or procedure requirements.
• Sterile packaging intact and within expiration date
  Verify sterile items are unopened, undamaged, and not expired.
• Required supplies stocked for next case
  Check that consumable supplies, implants if applicable, and procedure-specific items are available in the room or immediately accessible.
• Sharps containers and biohazard disposal readiness verified
  Confirm sharps containers are not overfilled and disposal systems are ready for use.
• Instrument count or set verification completed per policy
  Verify count reconciliation or set verification was completed according to facility policy before turnover completion.

Equipment and Safety Readiness

• OR table, lights, and booms positioned for next case
  Confirm major room equipment is positioned to support the upcoming procedure and safe patient transfer.
• Suction, electrosurgical, and anesthesia-related equipment available and functional
  Verify required equipment is present, powered, connected, and ready for use per case needs.
• Emergency equipment accessible and unobstructed
  Confirm crash cart, emergency oxygen, and other required emergency resources are accessible per unit protocol.
• Electrical cords and tubing routed safely
  Check that cords, tubing, and cables are secured to reduce trip hazards and prevent disconnection.
• Environmental alarms, indicators, or equipment error messages cleared
  Verify no active equipment faults, warning lights, or unresolved alarms remain before the next case.